FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The library has issues of the Waltham News-Tribune on microfilm going back to 1924, as well as earlier newspapers dating back to 1833 (click here for a list of available titles). Researchers may access the microfilm anytime the library is open; reference staff are available for technical assistance if needed. As the microfilm is not keyword searchable, knowing at least the approximate date of the article in question is immensely helpful. A partial index of obituaries is available at the reference desk. Contact the archivist for help finding an article for which the date is not known.

Yearbooks from 1904 to the present are available by appointment in the Waltham Room. Most of the yearbooks through 1990 have been digitized and are available to view online here.
 

Yes! The Waltham Room actively seeks donations of materials related to the past and present of the city of Waltham, especially materials that reflect the rich diversity of Waltham’s citizens.

Donations that are in poor condition, out of scope, or duplicates of items already held in the Waltham Room may not be accepted. All donations must be accompanied by a signed deed of gift. The library reserves the right to deaccession any materials deemed no longer appropriate to the collection.

No, the materials in the Waltham Room are part of a special collection, and do not circulate. Patrons cannot take the materials outside of the Waltham Room.

Visit our Property Resources page to research a local property or house.

The Waltham Public Library doesn’t have much about these institutions that aren’t already publicly available online. The related box lists can be found on pages 2 and 3 of our collection guide about hospitals. Since both institutions were run by the state of Massachusetts, their records are held by the Massachusetts State Archives.
 

The website for information about the Wellington House can be found here and the historical documents can be found here.

You can find a digitized cross section of our most popular items relating to the Watch Factory here.

The Baker Library at the Harvard Business School holds the records of the Waltham Watch Company. View their guide to the collection here.
 

We have some materials on the Watch Factory in our special collections. The guide to the Collection on Waltham Watches can be found here. An appointment is needed to view this collection; please contact the archivist.

Skip to content