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The State Historical Society of North Dakota preserves historical collections on behalf of the people of North Dakota. These materials are available for research and public use whenever possible, while ensuring long-term preservation and protection of confidential information.

Use materials from the State Historical Society of North Dakota collections for research, publications, exhibits, and more.

Request a Reproduction

Need a reproduction or scan of a photo, record, audiovisual file, or artifact from the collections? The State Historical Society of North Dakota provides digital reproductions or copies on printer paper. The agency does not create photographic prints.

Submit a request through the Submit a Record Request or Donation Inquiry form.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota may:

• Limit the number of reproductions provided
• Apply special fees for requests requiring unusual staff time
• Deny requests due to copyright, privacy, physical condition, or donor restrictions

Publish/Use of Material

Planning to publish or publicly display an item?

Publications include:

• Books and journals
• Films or videos
• Television or broadcast media
• Websites and digital media
• Exhibitions or displays

The State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) may have physical materials in its collections but not necessarily hold copyright to the items. SHSND only holds copyright to an item if it has been explicitly transferred to the agency. The agency cannot grant or deny permission to publish materials for which it does not hold copyright, including items in public domain. It is the users responsibility to determine copyright status and obtain permission.

Receiving a reproduction does not explicitly grant permission to publish items to which SHSND holds the copyright.

Staff will consult with patrons regarding the status of copyright on the requested image. Should SHSND hold the copyright, permissions may be granted on a one-time, non-exclusive basis for the specific project described in the request.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota appreciates receiving a gratis copy of published works that contain its materials.

SHSND does not charge additional publication or use fees

Fees

All fees cover the labor, materials, and equipment required to locate and create the reproduction. Fees are used to preserve and maintain original materials and digital copies.

Fees must be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Invoices can be provided on request.

SHSND reserves the right to limit the number of copies provided; to restrict the use or reproduction of rare or valuable items; and to deny a request because of copyright regulations, privacy rights, or donor-imposed restrictions.

Genealogical Material Reproduction Fee

• Specific item reproductions from indexed materials (such as marriage record, obituary, and naturalization record searches): $5 per search.

Standard Size Paper Reproduction Fees

• Letter-size (8.5" x 11") and legal-size (8.5" x 14") office copier copies: 10 cents each.
• 11" x 17": 20 cents each.

Image Reproduction Fees

• Low-resolution image: images available online at no charge.
• High-resolution image: $15 per image.

Audiovisual Reproduction Fees

• Audio file: $10 for mp3 format.
• Video file: $15 for mp4 format.

Microfilm Duplication Fees

• Duplicates of microfilm: $75 per roll.
• Foreign orders will be quoted individually.

Interlibrary Loan Fees

• $4 per roll, five rolls per patron, per loan.
• Foreign orders will be quoted individually.

Postage and Handling

• Some orders may require additional fees to cover postage.
• Fee will be actual cost of postage.

Additional Fees

• Requests that require additional photographing, scanning, or digitizing may be subject to additional fees of $25 per hour.

Copyright and Fair Use

Patrons are responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17) and determining whether permission from the copyright holder is required.

Libraries and archives may provide copies for private study, scholarship, or research. Use beyond these purposes may require permission from the copyright holder.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota reserves the right to refuse reproduction requests if fulfilling them violates copyright law.

Responsibility of the Requester

By requesting reproductions, patrons agree to assume responsibility for determining copyright status and obtaining necessary permissions.

Patrons also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the State Historical Society of North Dakota and its staff from liability related to copyright or intellectual property claims.