Colonial Williamsburg

FAQ

What is Digital Collections?

Digital Collections, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library’s Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, is the central repository for digitized and born-digital assets from the library’s holdings. With a focus on supporting research and public engagement, this platform encourages users to virtually experience, explore, and access digitized materials that reflect the diversity of the library’s wide range of historical and cultural resources.

How do I find materials on this site? 

On the home page of the system, a search bar can be found at the top right.  Once within the system, the search bar can be found at the top of your search results.  Search results can be filtered using the categories found on the side panel.  You can filter by asset type, original date ("timeline"), and more.  Be sure to clear your filters between searches if you think you are not seeing the results you should see! 

How can I use the material on this site? 

All assets on the site are available for your personal enjoyment and research use.  Pdfs and low-resolution, watermarked files may be downloaded for private, non-commercial, and research use. If you wish to obtain a high-resolution file or license these materials for publication or exhibit, please see our licensing tab. 

Can I use content from this site on a personal website, blog, or social media page? 
No, assets from Colonial Williamsburg's Digital Collections cannot be used for personal websites, social media, or blogs. For additional information please contact the Visual Resources Librarian at rocklibrary@cwf.org

Can I obtain high-resolution downloads? 

Yes.  To purchase high-resolution downloads, use the "cart" function.  Purchased downloads are for personal use only.  If you wish to use the asset in a publication, exhibit, or other project, please see our Licensing tab. 

Can I license materials from this site for use in my publication/exhibit/video/product? 

Yes.  Information on licensing can be found on the Licensing tab. 

Can I purchase prints of photography on this site? 

Yes.  Please contact the Visual Resources Librarian at the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library for more information: rocklibrary@cwf.org 

Is this material under copyright? 

While the historic documents may be out of copyright, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation retains copyright to the images of the documents it created.  The photography, music, and videos on this site are all the intellectual property of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation unless otherwise noted.  

How should I cite the resources found here if I use them in my research/classroom/publication? 

Identify the source of the content as you would material from any printed work. 
Credit each asset as “Courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.” 
Do not remove the Colonial Williamsburg watermark that appears on downloaded assets. 
Do not crop or alter assets without written permission from The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. 
Do not use the content to promote, advertise, or sell products/services or for any other commercial purpose. If you are considering an asset for licensing, publication, or commercial purposes, please visit the Licensing tab.

Is all of Colonial Williamsburg's digital content currently available on this website? 

No. This platform is the home of digitized collections from the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. Our holdings are extensive and only a fraction of them have been digitized and made available on this site. We are actively working to digitize more content and increase access to our collections. Check back regularly to see what's new! 

Do I need to make an account to use this site? 

No, you do not need to make an account.  However, if you choose to register and establish an account you will have access to some enhanced features, including the ability to create and save collections of assets. 

I forgot my password!  What do I do? 

What do I do if I see information that is inaccurate? Or if I want to comment on an asset? Or report a problem?

If you find inaccurate information and would like to see it corrected, would like to comment on an asset, or would like to report a bug in the system: Please click on the Feedback panel at the bottom right of the overview tab of the asset. You will see three blue buttons: Comment, Correction, and Report A Bug. Click the appropriate box and fill out the form. We will review the information and address accordingly. Thank you for your assistance!

What if I see something that is disturbing or upsetting?

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is committed to the integrity of all content and to telling a diverse and complete story of our collective history. Unfortunately, mistakes or inaccuracies in content can occur, and historical scholarship shifts and changes over time as research yields new information about the past.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation cannot guarantee that primary sources or other instructional resources will not contain content that may currently be perceived as objectionable. The past is a very different place from our 21st-century world and must be viewed in its historical context.

Disagreement with a specific idea or message, and personal objections to materials on religious, political, or social grounds, do not justify removal, exclusion, or restriction of materials.

Go to Login page