Research-by-Mail

Although we are better equipped to serve researchers who are able to come to our archives, we are able to perform research and make photocopies or scans, for a fee. We require that the first hour’s research be paid in advance. Refer to our fee chart for more information.

Be aware that such research is time-consuming and can easily take 3-5 hours.

In order to request such research, please print and complete the Research by Mail Form and return it with payment for the first hour’s research. We do not advise that you contract for this service prior to having first discussed with the staff what information may be available. We will make our best assessment regarding our chances of locating desired information; however, we cannot guarantee results and we cannot return research fees if no information is located. Please make your research requests specific, and please provide whatever information you may have regarding the local church or the Baptist agency or mission society involved.

Research-by-mail policies and procedures

  1. Our research by mail service is designed to assist distance researchers with focused, fact-based queries.  Research is conducted by ABHS staff.  Fee: $50/hour of research (effective 01-01-2022)
  2. To request this service, complete the Research-by-Mail form.
  3. Send research-by-mail requests to ABHSoffice@ABHSarchives.org or to:
    American Baptist Historical Society
    3001 Mercer University Dr.
    Atlanta, GA  30341
    ATTN:  Research by Mail
  4. Research fees may be paid online or a check sent to:
    ABHS
    1015 W. 9th Ave.
    King of Prussia,  PA   1940
    Note:  requests will not be processed until the fee is received.
  5. The initial fee covers one hour of research.  Users of the research-by-mail service will receive a written response to their query, including a list of all resources searched.  If photocopying/scanning or additional hours are needed and approved by the patron, these additional services will be invoiced.
  6. If extensive research is required, ABHS will provide a list of local independent researchers who may be contracted with on their terms.  Such researchers are independent of ABHS, and are not governed by nor vouched for by ABHS.

Inquiries are handled as they arrive (first come, first served). Responses usually take 6 – 8 weeks, sometimes more, depending on available staff time.