Use of all library/archives materials, even those referred to as reference library holdings (normally available for walk-in use during public hours) are subject to advance appointment for use.  Please call or email prior to visiting to guarantee materials and workspace is available.  Phone or email any questions.

This finding aid originally was made possible through two grants from the Missouri Historic Records Advisory Board courtesy the Missouri State Archives and the Missouri Secretary of State in 2001 and 2003.  In 2010 this portion of the website was edited to conform to a new platform.  Access to the expanded original guide is available on-site at the Powers Museum and/or by consultation with the Museum Director through phone, email or written correspondence.  Researchers must make prior contact with the museum on their research topics (see red text below) in order to determine the scope of the collections or individual items cited in this guide before visiting the museum to use selected materials.

There is no fee to use these collections on-site and researchers are allowed to bring computers and other digital equipment to the museum to assist them in using the documents.  There is a photocopier at the museum available for researchers to make their own copies for a small fee (based on quantity).

Museum staff can no longer perform research for these collections for off-site inquiries unless your or a non-profit organization are partners with the Powers Museum in a particular research/program project.  If researchers are unable to travel to the Powers Museum, the museum can make suggestions on volunteers and/or for-hire researchers.  Staff can continue to discuss the collections via email or phone calls in order to assist researchers assess our holdings prior to making travel arrangements or contract with researchers.

NOTE -  An appointment is necessary for use of ALL archival collections on site at the Powers Museum. This material is not available for walk-in, on-demand use. Consultation by phone or email prior to your visit will result in a more successful research visit and allow museum staff to prepare materials and also a work space for your use on site.  This rule also applies to Local History Vertical Files, too (see link below).

The Powers Museum is committed to adding information on other museum collections for presention here as staff and volunteer time allows addditional processing and/or conversion to online exhibits or digital documents.  In the meantime, if you have a research subject that is not represented by any of the collections or sub-groups listed below, please do not hesitate to contact the museum by phone (417-237-0456), mail (PO Box 593, Carthage MO 64836) or e-mail regarding your topics. Information and access to other non-processed collections can be made by prior appointment. Also, if the Powers Museum does not hold the materials you are seeking, we often can make suggestions where to find the materials you are looking for, especially if they involve the local area.

2008-09 Riches from the Earth: Geological and Industrial Heritage of Jasper County, 1865-1965      

Missouri Digital Heritage Project Online Resource (Phase I- photographs & selected documents)