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Student Research Center

Discover the real “stuff” of history with SeaRCH, the Student Research Center for History, designed to introduce students to primary source-based historical research at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Through SeaRCH, students gain access to MCHC’s vast collections of original manuscripts, images, and artifacts. Students work alongside professional researchers, developing nuanced content knowledge through the use of important research and analytical skills.

High schoolers look at a historic document while doing research at the Maryland Center for History and Culture.

SeaRCH Programs

Introduction to Research

An introduction to the handling and analysis of original primary source manuscripts and images, using the MCHC archives. Programs address one of the following topics:

  • American Revolution to War of 1812
  • Slavery and the Underground Railroad
  • Civil War Perspectives
  • The Civil Rights Movement

Grades: 6th – College
Cost: $8 per student
Details: 1–2 hour sessions (minimum of 7 students, maximum of 20 students per session, and up to two back-to-back sessions in one day)


Custom SeaRCH Programs

An opportunity for classes to conduct in-depth research using original primary sources on a variety of topics in Maryland and U.S. history. Requires advance notice, 4-6 weeks.

Grades: 6th – College
Cost: $10 per student
Details: 1–2 hour sessions (minimum of 7 students, maximum of 20 students per session, and up to two back-to-back sessions in one day)


National History Day Research

An introduction to primary source research and analysis strategies with sources from our collections that align to the year’s History Day theme.

Grades: 6th – 12th
Cost: $8 per student
Details: 1–2 hour sessions (minimum of 7 students, maximum of 20 students per session, and up to two back-to-back sessions in one day)



Want to enhance your onsite SeaRCH Program with a tour?

View tour options on the Onsite School Programs page.


Have a Question?

Call 410-685-3750, ext. 334, or email search@mdhistory.org, or read our SeaRCH Program Guidelines.

National History Day

With over 7 million documents and 10 exhibitions on Maryland history, the Maryland Center for History and Culture is the…