The Boston Globe photograph collection is divided into two parts: Prints and Negatives. Each has a unique filing system and requires different research strategies.
Prints: The print photographs are identified and organized by the subject of the photograph and filed in three series: People, Subject, and Sports. The People files are organized alphabetically by last name. Some more prominent individuals may have their own folder, while others are filed within an alphabetical range. Subject Files are organized alphabetically under geographic area into Boston, Massachusetts Cities & Towns, and National. Sports prints are filed alphabetically under People and Teams sub-series. The bulk of the collection dates from the 1950s through the 1990s. As the result of weeding by the Globe staff over the years, the print photograph collection is not a complete reflection of the Globe’s published photographic materials, and also includes wire photos from other news media companies.
Negatives: Unlike the prints, the Globe’s photographic negatives are filed in envelopes by date and labeled with the name of the photographer and the subject of the assignment. The negatives date exclusively from 1972 to 2003.
Scanning, Rights and Reproductions
Boston Globe print photographs and negatives are available to view in person at the Archives and Special Collections. Additionally, you can request scans of particular items. We are happy to send you reference scans for planning purposes.
For Personal Use: Individuals seeking scans for personal use will be sent our Duplication Agreement form, which we will ask you to sign and return to the Archives. The form provisions that the scans you receive are only approved for use that will not be published or released to the public.
For Publication: The Boston Globe holds copyright to the materials in the Boston Globe Library collection. Parties interested in publishing Globe photos will be asked to complete and return a Permission to Publish form along with any rights or licenses you may be requesting, which will then be sent to the Globe for approval.
To contact Northeastern's Archives and Special Collections, email us at archives@northeastern.edu or call during business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5pm) at (617) 373-2351.