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 Gifts to the Library Collection The New Hampshire Historical Society is the state's premier organization preserving and sharing Granite State history. For close to two centuries, the Society has gathered books, manuscripts, images, and objects that tell New Hampshire's story. Why Donate? The New Hampshire Historical Society's library collects the manuscripts, diaries, account books, business records, church records, photographs, maps, broadsides, and ephemera of individuals, institutions, and organizations associated with New Hampshire. These collections are maintained as primary resources for teaching and research. The collections document the social, economic, military, and political history of New Hampshire. Each year, researchers from around the world consult these collections. With the donation of each new collection, we increase the breadth and depth of our resources to better serve the research needs of our patrons. With climate-controlled facilities and professional staff, the Society is well equipped to preserve collections of personal papers and photographs for generations to come. What Should I Donate? The Society's library can accept donations pertaining to the life and work of an individual or organization associated with New Hampshire. Prior to the donation of a collection, library staff work closely with donors to determine what records or documents within their papers have continuing historic interest. The importance of records and documents diminishes if items are removed, reordered, or rearranged. Please contact library staff prior to sorting or rearranging materials you wish to donate. Two types of materials that are often of historic value are listed below. Please note that this list is not definitive. Other types of documents or records not included here may have continuing research value as well.
The first step in making a donation is to contact Library Director Peter Wallner (pwallner@nhhistory.org or 603/856-0643) or Reference Librarian Bill Copeley (bcopeley@nhhistory.org or 603-856-0641). Often staff will want to see items before they are physically transferred. In such cases, it is best that the records not be rearranged prior to inspection. Staff then will arrange for the physical transfer of the records. After the New Hampshire Historical Society agrees to accept the items, the donor signs a deed of gift, which transfers ownership of the records. While the deed of gift is a standard document, it can be customized to suit the needs of individual donors. In most cases, the gifts are not accepted unless the ownership and copyright are transferred to the Society. Collections Access The Society's library encourages full access to all collections. On occasion, access to certain materials within a collection may be restricted for a set period of time. In these instances, the staff will discuss with the donor reasonable restrictions on access in accordance with our policies. Copyright Copyright usually belongs to the creator of the records (letters, diaries, photographs, etc.). The Society strongly encourages donors to consider transferring copyright of donated items. Transfer of copyright greatly assists researchers who might wish to quote or cite references in the collection. Tax Deductions for Gifts Donors may be able to take a tax deduction for their donation. Donors wishing to have more information on this matter should speak with either a tax advisor or an attorney. Society policy prohibits staff from providing monetary valuations of collections. Donors wishing to hire an appraiser can contact the Society's library staff for a list of for-hire manuscript appraisers. Care for Collections The Society's library is managed by professional librarians whose first priority is preservation of and access to historic materials. The staff arrange, describe and catalog collections to ensure ease of access by researchers. Items in the Society's collections receive excellent care. Should a collection require repair or other conservation work, we often consult with professional conservators. All materials are stored in acid-free containers in secure, climate-controlled areas. No primary source materials circulate, and only library staff may retrieve materials for researchers. Monetary Donations Make a Difference The cost of caring for, cataloging and giving access to rare and historic materials is significant. Please consider making a monetary donation toward the arrangement, description, and preservation of your donation to assist in this important process. Further Information For further information on donating your papers or records to the New Hampshire Historical Society, please contact Library Director Peter Wallner at 603/856-0643 or pwallner@nhhistory.org or Reference Librarian Bill Copeley at 603/856-0641 or bcopeley@nhhistory.org. Join Us! Founded in 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is the independent nonprofit that saves, preserves, and shares New Hampshire history. All of the Society's programs and services are made possible by membership dues and contributions from people like you. You are invited to join today! Call the membership department at 603/856-0621, or use our convenient and secure online membership form.  |
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