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Photographs: Research & Ordering

Tags: arts, how-to, photos

How to Order (as of February 2025)

Our current goal is to fulfill image reproduction requests within 1 to 4 weeks.  


All image orders need to submitted online. Items in Collections Online can be ordered using the "Add to Cart" button. Materials not in Collections Online can be ordered using the Digital Image Reproduction Request form.
 

Please Note:

  • Due to the volume of digitization and duplication requests we receive, turnaround time on image orders will likely be 1 to 4 weeks after the order is processed.  
  • Rush Service is currently unavailable.
  • Only digital images are available, no photographic prints can be processed.

 

If you would like to submit an order for an image from the MNHS Collections please follow these steps:

  1. If an image is in Collections Online, click the "Add to Order" button. The online shop will walk through the ordering process.
  2. If an image is not in Collections Online, please fill out the Digital Image Reproduction Request form. Be sure to complete the form completely including Collection/Record Title/Identifier and Document Title.  Requests without full image identification will not be processed. 
  3. If the image is for any type of Public Use, you must also fully detail the project including title, author, publisher/producer, date of publication/broadcast, and website/URL.
  4. Once the forms are completed the Library Permissions Team will review your order and process it. 

See our Photographs: Use Permissions and Licensing guide for more information about using photographs publicly, and please contact us at library.permissions@mnhs.org for more information on completing any of the ordering forms.   

Prices for Digital Scans

Digital Scans:

The price of a digital scan is determined by the resolution of the image/size of the file.  See "Selecting a File Type" below for more information.   

Standard  $7
Large $25

Oversized*

 $35
Extra-Large (Exhibit Quality)

$60

*Digital copies of original materials that are larger than 24 x 36 inches cost $35.  This oversized category includes things like maps, posters, railway technical drawings, and architectural plans. This selection is not available for images in Collections Online.  

Prints:

We are unable to make photo prints, all image orders are fulfilled digitally. 

 

Minnesota Historical Society Members receive a 10% discount on image duplications. 

 

Selecting a File Type for Digital Scans

File Type Best For Technical Info
Standard Internet publishing, reports, emails, student work, presentations, some printing (at original size or smaller only). 

JPEG only
1500 pixels, ~300 dpi 
2 to 15 MB file size 
Large Most uses, including publishing, documentary filmmaking, and printing up to 16x20 inches (unless original is very small),  TIFF or JPEG
3000-6000 pixel, ~300-600 dpi
20 to 60 MB file size
Oversized (This option is only available via our Digital Image Request Form) Mandatory selection when requesting scans of maps, posters, technical drawings, blueprints, or any other item that is larger than 24 X 36 inches. Image quality will depend on the size and legibility of the original item. Files are faithful digital reproductions of the original items and are digitized at an appropriate resolution to display details. 

TIFF or JPEG

Because each item is different we cannot give exact file specifications.
Extra-Large Recommended for very large printing (like murals) and fine publishing only
Not every item can be ordered at this size (none of the 3-D collections, for example). 

TIFF only
6000+ pixels, 300-600+ dpi
20 to 100+ MB file size

Payment

Pay by Credit CardCheck out stations in a store at Sun Ray Shopping Center, Hudson Road near McKnight Road South, St. Paul, 9/12/1957

  • Pay through the online system OR
  • On the paper form put your credit card info or mark "Invoice Me" and MNHS can invoice and you can pay securely online

 

Pay by Check

  • Place your order in the online system.  During the checkout process, select "offline payment" and then send your check in the mail.
  • If ordering via paper form, mail the check and the form together to the address on the form.

 

 

Note:  We cannot process any Image Orders until payment is received.  

Delivery (As of February 2025)

Timeline for Delivery

  • When your order is received, we will first check to be sure that the image can be copied, according to our guidelines, copyright restrictions, etc.  
  • Orders will be completed within 1 to 4 weeks of permission being granted for copying.  
  • Please contact us for a completion date for orders with 20+ images.
  • Rush service is not currently available


Methods of Delivery

  • All files are sent via Hightail, a secure file sharing system. 
  • You will receive an email with links to download files for any images ordered, as well as PDF copies of your order and use/permissions paperwork.  
  • For security reasons we cannot copy files onto disks or flash drives provided by customers. 

MNHS Reference Staff

reading room bookshelves

 

Gale Family Library
Minnesota Historical Society Library

Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Library Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
 

More Information on Visiting the Library

 

Contact Us:

651-259-3300

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Gale Family Library • Minnesota Historical Society • 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102-1906 • 651-259-3300
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