Collecting Policy

The Local History Department is accepting new material donations on a limited basis. Prior to sending unsolicited donations, we encourage donors to contact the Local History Librarian. The Department may acquire material that is not inherently unique but whose research value results from it being part of a larger collection.

All donors will be expected to complete and sign a Deed of Gift. Click here for the Terms Regarding Acceptance of Gifts.

Donations of historical material to a public research facility may be tax-deductible. However, the Department cannot appraise donations for tax purposes. For the protection of the donor, it is recommended that such appraisals be done by an independent third party and before title to the material is conveyed to the Library.

The Local History Department will collect materials that pertain to Chester’s history in the following categories:

•   Artifacts: maps
•   Artwork: paintings, pen-and-pencil sketches, prints
•   Audio: oral histories
•   Books: reference and rare (scarce)
•   Correspondence: letters and postcards
•   Diaries: original and facsimiles
•   Documents: personal papers and corporate records
•   Ephemera: playbills, invitations, election buttons, etc.
•   Manuscripts: unpublished materials
•   Newspapers: online and on paper
•   Photographs: slides, prints, negatives, and digital files
•   Scrapbooks: personal and organizational

The Local History Department will gladly consider material not listed above so long as it pertains to our Mission Statement.

The Department accepts donations from local individuals and their descendants, organizations, clubs, and government offices, among others.