CARING FOR OUR COLLECTION

With our new climate-controlled Archive space and high-density shelving, we are committed to preserving and caring for the thousands of pieces of photographs, documents, maps, ephemera, and artifacts entrusted to the Quincy Valley Historical & Museum.

When an item is donated to QVHSM, it becomes part of a carefully managed collection. Each piece is cataloged, numbered, digitized when possible, and entered into Past Perfect, an industry-standard museum collection software and management system. Our goal is to thoughtfully preserve and care for each item so that the stories of these pieces and the people they represent can be shared for many years to come.

PRESERVATION

We welcome donations that help tell the story of Quincy and the surrounding area. Priority is given to materials with a direct connection to local history, including photographs, deeds, family documents, personal stories and artifacts.

Other items that help us interpret and share Quincy’s history may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have an item you believe may belong in our collection, we would love to hear from you. While we strive to accept as much as possible, each donation must be something we can appropriately care for, house, preserve and interpret.

Genealogy and Research

Discover the people and stories that are part of your family’s history. Located inside the Heritage Barn, our Research Room provides work space for individual and family history research. Materials from our archives may be viewed here and copies of documents and photographs are available. Please contact us for current pricing.

Our knowledgeable volunteers have extensive experience in genealogical research and are happy to help you explore your family tree and uncover connections to the past. Their experience includes family lineage reasearch, historical photo identification, and digitization. Whether you are just beginning your family history jouney or searching for specifics on a particular person or story, our team can provide personalized assistance along your way.

Each year, we also set aside special time for Family History Month, offering instruction and assistance for those interested in learning more about genealogical research. Visit our Events Calendar for more information about upcoming classes and opportunities.

Please call or email us to schedule an appointment for personalized research help.
We look forward to helping you discover, preserve and share your family’s story.

Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of the Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum. Their time, talents and enthusiasm have helped us accomplish so much over the years and we invite you to become part of our volunteer community. Whether you enjoy working with your hands, sharing history with children, caring for museum collections or simply connecting with others, there is a place for you at QVHSM.

Our Manly Men & Wonder Women volunteer group meets on the first Saturday of most months for a morning of working together around the museum campus. Volunteers help with routine maintenance, repairs, landscaping, cleanup, small maintenance projects, seasonal decorating and other tasks that keep our buildings and grounds looking their best. And, of course there is always time for fellowship and donuts. These special people help preserve our historic buildings and grounds to be enjoyed by all in our community.

Our Time Travelers Guild helps bring local history to life for more than 300 students each year. Dressed in pioneer clothing, volunteers lead hands-on activities and share experiences of the sometimes difficult lives of the people who settled this Valley, giving children a glimpse into the challenges of pioneer life.

Our Collections Circle volunteers play an important role in caring for and preserving our growing collection. Volunteers help catalog, organize, manage and preserve photographs, documents, artifacts and other pieces of Quincy Valley history. This rewarding work helps ensure these irreplacable pieces of our community’s story are protected and accessible for future generations.

No matter your interests, skills or experience, we would love to find a way for you to be involved.
Join our group of caring volunteers, by emailing us today at officeqvhsm@gmail.com.