Local Historical Societies

What is a local historical society?

A local historical society is a community group, usually run by volunteers, that collects, preserves and shares the history of a town, township or county. Many keep photographs, documents, tools and household items, and some maintain a museum, a schoolhouse or a historic home.

Societies are usually independent nonprofits, though some are connected with local governments. Their size and hours vary a great deal, so a quick call before you visit saves a wasted trip.

Some societies keep a small research room open by appointment only. If yours does, offer to help with what you find, such as noting names on photographs, since that is a fair trade for the time volunteers give you.

What can they help you with?

Societies hold the kinds of materials you will not find online: local newspapers, farm account books, family photographs, church and school records, maps and oral histories. Volunteers often know where to look and who to ask.

If you are researching your farm, a family or a building, bring what you know and ask for suggestions. Be specific about names, places and rough dates, and be patient, since many societies are staffed by a few people on limited schedules.

• Photographs, maps and atlases
• Newspapers and scrapbooks
• Farm, church and school records
• Oral history recordings
• Volunteers who know local families

How do you get involved?

Membership is usually inexpensive and often includes a newsletter and invitations to events. Attend a meeting as a guest first, and listen. Many societies are glad to find new members, especially younger ones who bring skills in technology, writing or photography.

Offer something concrete: scanning photographs, labeling items, giving talks, running a social media page or helping at open houses. Check with the officers before taking on a role.

Ask whether the society takes part in local events such as parades, fairs and school visits. Helping there is a good way to meet people and learn who knows what in your community.

How should you donate items?

People often want to give family treasures to a society. Call first, since most have limited space and a collections policy that spells out what they can accept. A donation should be accompanied by names, dates and stories, or it loses much of its value.

Donating is permanent and usually transfers ownership. If an item may be valuable, talk with a licensed appraiser, and consult a licensed professional for tax questions. Do not expect a society to give legal or financial advice.

Ask also about the condition of your item. A donated photograph in poor condition may need special handling, and the volunteers can tell you what they can store properly.

What are their challenges?

Many historical societies struggle with aging membership, small budgets and aging buildings. Collections can be at risk from damp, fire, pests and theft. Some lack the funds to digitize or catalog what they hold.

If you care about your local society, ask what it needs. It may be a roof repair, a volunteer treasurer or simply regular visitors. Your gift of time is often worth more than a donation of money.

• Aging membership and few volunteers
• Limited budgets
• Old buildings needing repair
• Collections at risk from damp, fire and pests

How do societies connect to wider resources?

Many are linked to state historical societies and state historic preservation offices, which provide guidance, training and sometimes funding information. Ask yours which groups are available in your state.

County libraries, universities and archives often hold related material. A good society will point you to them rather than keep you to itself.

Some state organizations offer training for small societies on cataloging, storage and fundraising, and ask whether your local group has used them.

What if there is no society near you?

Some rural counties have none, or have one that has gone quiet. You can start small: gather a few interested neighbors, record stories, scan photographs and share them with the county library. Ask your state historical society how to organize and what legal steps are involved.

Setting up a nonprofit involves state and federal rules, so speak with your state office or a licensed attorney before you incorporate.

A simple start can grow. Many successful societies began with a few people and a shoebox of photographs on a kitchen table.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.