Research Policy

Napa County Historical Society maintains an active research library. We are pleased to assist, without charge, researchers who make appointments to access our collection in-person.

Our unique archival collections attract requests from all over the world. Due to staff limitations, we are unable to accommodate this large volume of research requests without charging a fee to cover our costs for individuals or groups not able to conduct their own research at our library. Our professional library and archival staff will undertake limited fee-based research for property, genealogy, and general history questions, per the following guidelines: 

• The library reserves the right to accept or decline requests. Requests may be declined if a cursory search determines resources or information is not available to sufficiently satisfy a research request.
• We will do our best to communicate any limitations of our collections and ability to find desired information before invoicing.
• The research will begin upon receipt of fee payment and acceptance of terms and conditions. Research report will be delivered four weeks from date of payment. See fee schedule below for information on rush fees.
• Research fees are non-refundable. 

The current fee schedule is as follows:

• $50 per hour of research, paid in advance. If additional research time is needed, we will contact the researcher for authorization to proceed.
• $20 per hour for nonprofit organizations, by request.
• Rush fees (for research to be completed before the four standard weeks), will incur a 25% additional fee, if staff availability allows.
• Fees for copies of documents or maps from the Assessor-Recorder’s Office, if requested by the researcher, will be covered by the researcher.