Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Massachusetts Historical Society provides access to millions of rare documents, artifacts, and digital collections for research, education, and public engagement.

Target Customer

Researchers, historians, students, educators (teachers), librarians, and members of the general public interested in American history.

Key Differentiator

The MHS houses the largest collection of Thomas Jefferson’s private papers and the Adams Family Papers; it offers the MHS Digital Archive now online with integrated discovery tools; John Quincy Adams Diary online; and it provides free, public access to library resources (with on-site use) plus live reference support.

Implementation Timeline

Immediate online access to digital collections via the MHS Digital Archive and 1791 Portal; year-long educational programs (e.g., National History Day in Massachusetts) provide sustained value over an academic year.

Pain Points

1Limited access to primary historical sources without authorized access or travel to libraries.
2Need for digital access and discovery tools to locate and use primary materials efficiently.
3Educational resources and structured programs to support teachers, students, and public history education.

Key Features

1MHS Digital Archive with online discovery tools
2Public collections: Adams Papers, Adams Family Papers, Thomas Jefferson Papers, Other Presidents
3John Quincy Adams Diary online
4Live Chat with a Reference Librarian (Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, excluding holidays)
5Educational programs and events (e.g., National History Day in Massachusetts)

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Librarian
2Teacher
3Educator
4Academic Researcher
5Historian

Client Results

1Increased access to primary source materials for research and education.
2Enhanced historical research capabilities through digitized collections and metadata discovery.
3Improved civic learning and knowledge through public programs, exhibitions, and teacher resources.

Competitive Advantages

1Extensive, high-profile collections (Jefferson papers, Adams papers, Adams Presidential Library).
2Digital archive integration with discovery tools for easier access to items.
3Public, on-site access to library materials (with researcher registration and in-building use).
4Live reference support and a broad slate of educational programs and exhibitions.
5The organization has a long history as a scholarly resource (founded 1791) with ongoing updates (digital editions, online diaries).

Key Benefits

1Access to premier primary sources and digital archives

2Educational programs and teacher resources

3Public exhibitions and events to foster civic learning

4Live reference support and user-friendly discovery tools

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A private nonprofit library and historical repository that provides access to millions of rare documents and artifacts, digital collections, exhibitions, and educational programs about American history.

Target Market

Researchers, students, educators, historians, librarians, and members of the public seeking primary historical sources and public history programming.

Unique Value Proposition

Owns some of the most significant primary-source collections (Jefferson papers, Adams papers) and offers integrated digital archives with public access, complemented by on-site research facilities and education programs.

Technical Requirements

Web access to masshist.org; use of the Portal 1791 for library catalogs; digital content accessible online via the MHS Digital Archive; on-site library access for research (registration required).

Pricing Model

Library access is free and open to the public; materials are not lent, and some services (e.g., on-site use) require registration; membership and donations are available for support.

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