Share your History with Cheshire County
We are honored when community members consider sharing family treasures, photographs, documents, or artifacts with the Historical Society of Cheshire County. Every potential donation is a gift of trust — and we take that trust seriously.
Our collection belongs to all of Cheshire County’s twenty-three communities, and the items that tell those stories come from families and individuals just like yours. Whether you have an attic full of letters or a single photograph, we want to hear from you.
Donating to the HSCC collection is a thoughtful process. We want to make sure your items are cared for properly, documented accurately, and placed in the context where they can do the most good. That’s why we have a dedicated Collections Sub-Committee ready to work with you every step of the way.
How the Donation Process Works
To protect both donors and the collection, all potential donations go through our formal intake process. Here’s what to expect:
1. Connect with Us
Reach out to us by calling 603.352.1895 or emailing hscc@hsccnh.org in order to start the process. Someone will reach out to you within three (3) business days.
2. We'll Set up a Meeting
A member of our collections sub-committee will meet with you to learn about the item(s) and the stories behind them. This is a conversation, not an evaluation.
3. Temporary Custody Receipt
If we decide together to bring the potential donation in for review, we’ll complete a Temporary Custody Receipt (TCR), a document that protects your ownership rights while we evaluate the item(s), as required by our collections policy and New Hampshire law (RSA 201-E).
4. Committee Review
Your item(s) are reviewed by our Collections Sub-Committee, which then brings a formal recommendation to the full Collections Committee for discussion.
5. You Hear from Us
We will always follow up with a formal response from the Executive Director — and a sincere thank-you for your interest, whatever the outcome.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Only members of the Collections Sub-Committee are authorized to accept items for review. Items cannot be left with front desk staff, other volunteers, or other staff members, even temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of items does HSCC collect?
We collect artifacts, documents, photographs, and multimedia that reflect the diverse histories and lived experiences of people across Cheshire County’s twenty-three communities. Items do not need to be rare or valuable — everyday life is exactly what we’re here to preserve.
Can I just drop something off?
No, thank you. We ask that you please contact us first. Our intake process requires specific documentation to protect your ownership rights under New Hampshire law (RSA Chapter 201-E, the Museum Property Act). Items left without proper paperwork create legal complications for both you and the Society.
Who do I contact to get started?
You can reach us by phone at (603) 352-1895 or by email at hscc@hsccnh.org. Our staff will connect you with the Collections Sub-Committee.
What happens to my items during review?
Items accepted for temporary review remain your property throughout the entire process. We hold them in our climate-controlled collections space and document their condition. The review period lasts up to 60 days.
What if my item(s) isn’t accepted?
We return items with care and respect, and we’ll always follow up in writing with a formal response from the Executive Director — and a sincere thank-you for thinking of us.