Do you have any records and/or primary sources available online?
While most of our documentary resources are not available online, we do have online indexes for some of our collections as well as a few digital collections of photographs and historic maps. Also, our collaborative Virtual Archives web site shares various aspects of Westchester County's history through the display of primary documents.
What will I find in the Westchester County Archives?
In the Westchester County Archives you will find historical records created by or filed with County departments and some County courts, such as wills, deeds, maps, naturalization records, photographs, official meeting minutes, annual reports and departmental correspondence.
When are you open?
The Archives' offices are open Monday through Friday, except government holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Archives Reading Room is open to the public by appointment only on Wednesdays, except government holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please note: Starting the week of January 6th, 2025, the Archives Reading Room will be open Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with no appointment necessary. We do still strongly encourage anyone thinking of visiting to contact us at Archives Reference Desk ahead of time with your planned visit date what you are interested in researching.
Where are you located?
The Archives is located at 2199 Saw Mill River Road in Elmsford, New York. View our travel directions to the Archives.
Is the Archives handicapped accessible?
Yes, including parking.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Archives?
Appointments are necessary to do research in the Archives Reading Room; please use No Wait Inside to schedule one. Please contact the Archives prior to your visit to confirm our hours and availability of materials. We also provide group tours by arrangement with staff. Group research visits are available by prior arrangement.
What are your research fees?
There is no research fee for individuals who visit our Reading Room in person, except for the cost of any photocopies made. We do charge for research done by mail (see Research and Reference faq's for research by mail fees).
Can I get photocopies?
Yes. Photocopies can be requested of materials held by the Archives, although the actual photocopying is performed by the Archives staff and volunteers. Copy fees start at $0.50 a page. However, the Archives' staff reserves the right to refuse to copy any materials it deems too fragile to withstand the copying process. The Archives also reserves the right to limit the amount of photocopies to be made from any one collection.
Can I get a copy of a map?
Yes. Copies from the Archives' extensive map collection are available for fees starting at $5.00, depending on size. However, the Archives' staff reserves the right to refuse to copy any materials too fragile to withstand the copying process.
Can I use my digital camera or laptop computer in the Reading Room?
Laptop computers are permitted in the Archives Reading Room; however, no internet access is provided. The use of digital cameras is permitted under certain circumstances. Please contact the Archives staff with any questions.
Can I borrow materials in your collection?
Given the unique nature of the records held by the Archives, they cannot be removed from the building.
How can I purchase a copy of a picture I saw on your Web site?
If you would like a copy of one of the pictures you saw on our Web site, please contact us for fees and ordering instructions. The images used for the Web site were selected from the thousands available in the eight Photographic Collections housed at the Archives.
What is the difference between the collections of the Westchester County Archives and of the Westchester County Historical Society?
The Westchester County Archives solely collects public records of historic value created by or filed with Westchester County government departments. In contrast, the Westchester County Historical Society collects materials of permanent value that relate to the general history of Westchester County and its peoples, including books and pamphlets, city directories, newspapers, and manuscripts.