New Hampshire Historical Society - Founded 1823

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Library


Gifts to the Collection

The New Hampshire Historical Society is delighted to discuss potential gifts to the collection. For close to two centuries, the Society has been given books, manuscripts, images, and objects that tell New Hampshire's story. The Society collects objects, manuscripts, diaries, account books, business records, church records, photographs, maps, broadsides, and ephemera of individuals, institutions, and organizations associated with New Hampshire history.

The collections are preserved as primary resources for teaching, research, and exhibition. With each new donation we increase the breadth and depth of our resources to better serve our patrons from New Hampshire and around the world. With climate-controlled facilities and professional staff, the Society is well equipped to save, preserve, and share its collections for generations to come.

What Should I Donate?

Both the Society's library and museum accept donations to the collections. Prior to acceptance, staff works closely with prospective donor(s) to determine if their item(s) or collection has continuing historic interest.

The library is interested in items such as:

  • Personal and Family Papers
    • Letters, diaries, scrapbooks
    • Speeches, research notes, lecture notes
    • Photograph albums, photographs
    • Genealogical and biographical information
    • Professional files
    • Video and audio tapes
    • Other types of documents
  • Organization and Institutional Records
    • Articles of incorporation, bylaws, annual reports
    • Correspondence, meeting minutes, legal documents
    • Financial documents, planning documents, press releases
    • Publications, photographs
    • Video and audio tapes
    • Other types of documents

The museum is interested in objects related to:

  • Advertising
  • Agriculture
  • Art
  • Buildings and Architecture
  • Business, Industry, Manufacturing, and Technology
  • Clothing and Accessories
  • Communications
  • Cultures and Communities
  • Domestic Life
  • Education
  • Family and Social Life
  • Food
  • Government, Politics, and Reform
  • Health and Medicine
  • Leisure, Entertainment, and Sports
  • Military
  • Music and Musical Instruments
  • Photography
  • Religion
  • Textiles
  • Transportation
  • Work

How Do I Make A Donation?

Depending on the type of gift (paper or object), the first step in making a donation is to contact Librarian Bill Copeley at bcopeley@nhhistory.org or 603/856-0641, or Director of Collections and Exhibitions Wes Balla at wballa@nhhistory.org or 603/856-0605. Often staff will want to see items before they are physically transferred. After the New Hampshire Historical Society agrees to accept the items, the donor signs a Deed of Gift, which transfers ownership of the items; or a Promised Gift form, which transfers ownership through one’s estate. In most cases, the gifts are not accepted unless the ownership and copyright are transferred or promised to the Society.

Copyright

Copyright usually belongs to the creator of original materials (letters, diaries, photographs, artwork, 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 to materials 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 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 staff for a list of for-hire professional appraisers.

Monetary Donations Make a Difference

The cost of caring for, cataloging, and providing access to rare and historic materials is significant. Once accepted, items will be cared for in perpetuity. Perpetual care, however, comes with a price. Please consider making a monetary donation toward the arrangement, description, and preservation of your donation to assist in this important process. Gifts to endow the long-term care of collections are welcome, too. For further information please contact Director of Development Anne Hamilton at ahamilton@nhhistory.org or 603/856-0608.

Promised Gift Form
Deed of Gift Form

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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New Hampshire Historical Society - Founded 1823