Inside view of research area
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American Antiquarian Society

4.6
·18 reviews·Worcester, United States

A premier research library holding millions of printed treasures from before 1900, specializing in American history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Quieter for research and tours

CrowdLow
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Inside view of research area

American Antiquarian Society

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Quieter for research and tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier research library holding millions of printed treasures from before 1900, specializing in American history.

4.6
(18 reviews)

"A real gem of an institution in Worcester for researchers and scholars."

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 Book Your Visit

Research access requires an appointment. Plan ahead to ensure you can explore the collections.

🤝 Ask the Experts

Staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, making your research productive.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 18 reviews

Type

Library

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pre-1900 Newspaper Collection

Pre-1900 Newspaper Collection

Explore millions of historical newspapers, offering unparalleled insights into American life before 1900.

Reddit
Presidential Artifacts

Presidential Artifacts

See unique historical artifacts, including a lock of President George Washington's hair.

Reddit
Historic Buildings and Grounds

Historic Buildings and Grounds

Admire the beautiful architecture and serene grounds of this significant historical institution.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Research Visit

The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) is a premier research library for pre-1900 American history. Access to collections requires an appointment, so plan ahead. Staff are highly knowledgeable and helpful for researchers.

Explore Historical Treasures

Discover millions of printed treasures from before 1900, including rare books, newspapers, and letters. AAS holds one of the nation's largest collections of pre-1900 newspapers, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter for research and tours
Crowd
Low
When
By Appointment
Why
Essential for collection access
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s Together We Tuesday and today we connected with the team at the American Antiquarian Society. @americanantiquarian Brought to you by: @baystatebank #togetherwe #togetherwetuesday #americanhistory
worcesterchamber
4 likes • 132 views

📅 Book Your Visit

Research access requires an appointment. Plan ahead to ensure you can explore the collections. Reddit

🤝 Ask the Experts

Staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, making your research productive. Reddit

📚 Step into history at the American Antiquarian Society! @americanantiquarian The American Antiquarian Society is a national research library with over 4 million printed treasures from before 1900. From letters and newspapers to pamphlets and rare books, our reading room is open to everyone who wants to explore the past. 👀 Check out Isaiah Thomas’s original printing press (yes, that press smuggl...
salisburyculturaldistrict
14 likes • 621 views

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

The historic buildings and grounds are as impressive as the collections. Reddit

📜 Explore Millions of Treasures

Discover vast collections of pre-1900 American printed materials. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

📅 Book Your Visit

Research access requires an appointment. Plan ahead to ensure you can explore the collections. Reddit

🤝 Ask the Experts

Staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, making your research productive. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

The historic buildings and grounds are as impressive as the collections. Reddit

📜 Explore Millions of Treasures

Discover vast collections of pre-1900 American printed materials. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the American Antiquarian Society as a 'gem' for researchers, highlighting its vast collections of pre-1900 materials, especially newspapers, and the helpfulness of its knowledgeable staff. The beautiful historic buildings also add to the positive experience, though access for research requires advance planning.

"A real gem of an institution in Worcester for researchers and scholars. AAS has one of the nation’s largest and most important collections of pre-1900 newspapers. Five specialized areas of print/graphic media and area of inquiry, each with a separate curator. As of summer, 2024, the facility is undergoing major facade reconstruction and window replacement, but completely operational."

Paul Nakazawa

"Tool the tour today and loved it! The vast amount of history stored there is mind blowing and seeing some of President George Washington's hair was pretty cool too"

Tenor Shali

"Beautiful historic buildings and grounds."

Heidi Boyle

What People Like

Vast historical collections
Knowledgeable staff
Beautiful historic buildings

What People Dislike

Appointment required for research

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The American Antiquarian Society is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is accessible by public transportation and car. Parking information can be found on their official website. TikTok

Information regarding parking availability and any associated fees can be obtained directly from the American Antiquarian Society's visitor services. It's always best to check their website or call ahead.

While general tours might be available on specific days, access to the collections for research purposes absolutely requires a prior appointment. Check their website for tour schedules. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the AAS for research requires an appointment. For general visitors interested in tours, specific dates and times may apply. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current information on access and any potential fees. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, especially for the reading rooms versus public tours. Always consult the official American Antiquarian Society website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before planning your visit. TikTok

It is highly recommended to book your research appointment well in advance, especially during peak academic seasons. This ensures availability and allows the AAS staff to prepare for your visit. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are often available and offer a fantastic way to learn about the institution's history and collections. Check the AAS website for tour schedules and booking information. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can explore vast collections of pre-1900 American printed materials, including historical newspapers, rare books, pamphlets, and manuscripts. They also house unique artifacts. InstagramReddit

While primarily a research institution, guided tours can be engaging for older children interested in history. The focus is on scholarly research, so it may not be ideal for very young children. Reddit

There isn't a strict dress code, but it's advisable to dress comfortably and respectfully, as you would for a library or museum. Avoid overly casual attire. Reddit

Photography policies can vary, especially within the reading rooms and for specific collections. It's best to inquire with staff upon arrival or check their website for guidelines on photography. TikTok

The AAS focuses on five specialized areas of print/graphic media and areas of inquiry, each managed by a dedicated curator, covering a broad spectrum of American history before 1900. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can differ depending on the area and the nature of the materials. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use might be permitted in public areas, but always confirm with staff. TikTok

Flash photography is typically prohibited in libraries and archives to protect delicate historical documents. Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the AAS staff. Reddit

Yes, photography is often restricted in the reading rooms and areas where rare or sensitive materials are housed. This is to preserve the integrity of the collections. Reddit

The exterior of the historic buildings and the grounds offer excellent photo opportunities. Inside, public areas during tours might provide some visual interest, but always prioritize respecting the institution's policies. Reddit

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