How to Research a Family Business: Home

Researching a historic business can be challenging. Since It is cheaper and easier for companies to destroy outdated records than to maintain them, most businesses come and go without leaving much of a paper trail.

Even when a company's own records have not survived, however, there are other sources that may document its existence. This guide will describe how to uncover the history of a business using the following resources:

• City Directories
• Business Directories
• Newspapers and Trade Journals
• Government Records
• Business Records
• Images and Maps
• Books and Articles

NYPL Digital Collections Image ID 57509265

For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:

Digitization of Select Research Materials

Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections. 

Screen Readers and Enlargers 

Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and MAGic software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading. 

Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org for details. It also hosts many networking groups, resource fairs, writing workshops, accessible art workshops, book clubs, and other events. All are listed in the quarterly newsletter, available by email, website (text or audio), or over the phone.