Research Services

On-site researchers wanting copies of documents for research purposes may request paper or digital copies to be made by the Museum Archives’ staff, or use their own digital device (camera, smartphone, tablet, etc.) to photograph documents provided no flash is used.

• Researchers who wish to use their own devices must first receive permission from a staff member.
• The Museum Archives reserves the right to refuse reproduction requests which may threaten the preservation of the documents.

A flat fee of $30.00 per hour is charged for any research requests requiring more than 15 minutes to complete. Fee includes up to 10 black and white photocopies of archival materials for study purposes only. Additional photocopies are $0.50 per page. 

A Remote Research request is defined as research utilizing archival collections facilitated by Museum staff via mail, email, or telephone at the request of an outside party.

Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. All terms and fees are subject to change at any time. 

When publication is intended, an application for publication rights for any material quoted or reproduced from the PAFA Archives must be submitted to the Archivist in writing. 

The applicant must specify the title of the piece, publisher, intended print run and publication date. The fees and permission are granted for one-time, non-exclusive use. Additional printings such as electronic formats, international editions or book clubs, require further permissions and fees. The permission to publish is not effective until the applicant receives, signs, and returns the permission/licensing agreement. Please visit the Rights, Reproductions, & Licensing page to begin your request. 

• All services require pre-payment by credit card. All terms and fees are subject to change at any time.
• Research services are limited to records in the archival collections of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
• Monetary or time restrictions may be placed on a project by either the Museum or the requestor.
• In addition to the time spent searching, you will be charged for the time required to retrieve and return items, as well as time spent preparing the response.
• You will be billed for search time even if the information or image requested is not found.
• Remote Research Request fees do not grant the requester reproduction rights.
• Any digital photos, scans, or printouts of collection materials are provided under the provisions of “fair use” as described by United States copyright law, and are intended for scholarly or private use only.
• Reproduction, public display, or distribution of an image from the Museum's collection from any copy format (digital or print) via any medium requires the permission of the Museum and may carry with it additional fees.

The Copyright law of the United States (U.S. Code, Title 17) governs the making of photocopies and reproductions of copyrighted material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission for use of any material where copyrights, literary property rights, or other forms of ownership of intellectual property may apply, in conformance with the provisions of the United States Copyright law. PHOTOCOPIES ARE PROVIDED FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE FURTHER REPRODUCED.

Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. When publication is intended, an application for publication rights for any material quoted or reproduced from the Museum Archives must be submitted to the Archivist in writing.

PAFA Historical Questions

For questions pertaining to the following, please contact the Archives directly:

• Exhibitors or exhibition prizes
• Former staff or faculty members
• A painting that may have been exhibited at PAFA
• If (and when) an artist was affiliated with PAFA
• Information about PAFA's buildings.

Student Records

For someone attending before 1950, contact the Archives. Students attending after 1950 should contact the School of Fine Arts Registrar's Office at (215) 972-2017.

Using Images of the Permanent Collection in a Publication

Please refer to the Rights and Reproductions section of our website.

Obtaining Biographies on An Artist

Contact the Library.

The Archives has no published biographical reference works, but can document connections between an artist and PAFA through student records, exhibition records, and more.

Art Appraisals

As a general policy, PAFA does not conduct art appraisals, valuations, or authentications for works of art.

However, we recommend that you consider finding an appraiser to assist you. Appraisers are trained specialists who work for a fee. They evaluate your piece and give you a written statement of its value.

Although the following organizations do not provide appraisals themselves, they each publish a directory of their members. Always seek an appraiser with an expertise in the type of artwork you own.

• American Society of Appraisers
• Appraisers Association of America
• International Society of Appraisers