Some collections content is in the public domain, and some content is protected by third-party rights such as copyright, trademark, rights of publicity, privacy, and contractual restrictions. It is your responsibility to obtain the permission(s) you need in order to use collections content. If you have specific questions or information about copyright or permissions, contact the Permissions Office at permissions@ushmm.org.
Use of Collections Images and Media
Collections viewable on the web may be owned by the Museum, owned by others and used with their permission, or used by the Museum in accordance with applicable law. For additional information, you may consult the Museum’s copyright and legal Terms of Use.
Reproductions
Museum staff are currently unable to copy, digitize, and/or photograph collection materials on behalf of researchers. Researchers are encouraged to plan a research visit to consult collection materials themselves.
Request Photographs and Still Images
To order reproductions of available, digitized materials:
Visit the record within the Museum’s Collections Search catalog.
Click the Download Options icon (under the heading Download & Licensing) in the individual record.
Complete the required fields in the pop-up window
Check your email, including spam, for the requested files.
Please note that an image may take up to 24 hours to deliver. If you receive an error message or do not receive your files, please try your request again.
Additionally, Museum staff is currently unable to accommodate any requests for larger images of digital materials than what is currently available.
Request Film, Oral History and Recorded Sound
The Museum can supply digital files directly through a shared file/FTP service if the archive footage, oral histories, or historical sound recordings are in the public domain. Staff is only able to fulfill requests for already digitized material. Materials not in the public domain must be cleared with the rights holder and/or source archive by the requestor before duplication.
To order copies of available, digitized materials:
Visit the Museum’s Collections Search catalog to locate film, video, or audio collections.
Click on the Order Copies button in orange to submit requests for each item you want to obtain in a digital format.
Staff will upload files and share a link with the client for downloading
Consult filmvideo@ushmm.org for feedback or questions on specific items.
To procure copies of interviews conducted by the USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive, you must contact the USC Shoah Foundation at sfiaccess@usc.edu.
Reproductions in the Reading Room
Archival and published materials are available for consultation, by appointment and advance arrangement, in the Reading Room at the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center in Bowie, Maryland. Scanning machines are available for use free of charge and subject to restrictions under the copyright law of the United States. The use of personal cameras, smartphones, and other mobile devices are also permitted in the Reading Room. All microform stations are enabled with scanners that create digital copies of materials. The Museum will provide free portable USB storage devices for patrons. All use of reproductions must comply with the Museum's Terms of Use.
Independent Researchers Available for Hire
The Museum does not maintain a list of local researchers for hire nor provide recommendations or endorsements of their services. However, you may consult lists made available by:
This Section
Look through a curated list of frequently searched collection types and themes.