We invite you to explore and engage with The Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s rare books, manuscripts and architectural archives, and hope you will visit us soon. In the meantime, please visit the Athenaeum Annals for updates and discoveries about the collections, and do feel free to Ask a Question.
Researchers are required to register and make an appointment in advance of their visit. Collections stored off-site may take 5-10 business days to retrieve; our research staff will help you determine what needs to be pre-requested when you make your appointment.
All researchers must present photo identification on each visit. Our research guidelines will help you prepare for your appointment. We look forward to your visit!
To learn more about using and accessing our collections, explore the links below which will introduce you to the services and tools available to support your research.
Researchers are required to register and make an appointment in advance of their visit. Collections stored off-site may take 5-10 business days to retrieve; our research staff will help you determine what needs to be pre-requested when you make your appointment.
All researchers must present photo identification on each visit. Our research guidelines will help you prepare for your appointment. We look forward to your visit!
To learn more about using and accessing our collections, explore the links below which will introduce you to the services and tools available to support your research.
Collection Highlight
Since 1814, The Athenaeum has been visited by politicians, diplomats, scientists, and literary figures. Our guest book was traditionally called the Record of Strangers: each non-member, or “Stranger” was usually signed in by an Athenaeum member.SEARCH THE RECORD OF STRANGERS
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia may lend items in its archive for use by qualified institutions.
Please click here to download our Permission to Use form.
If you are making a gift of property to the Athenaeum, please download our Deed of Gift form.
Please click here to download our Permission to Use form.
If you are making a gift of property to the Athenaeum, please download our Deed of Gift form.
Find Library Catalog
Philadelphia Architects & Buildings
Greater Philadelphia Geohistory Network
Philadelphia Real Estate Record & Builders Guide
The Athenaeum provides on-site access to the following databases:
American Antiquarian Society
Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
WorldCat
