Support East Petersburg Historical Society
Join East Petersburg Historical Society
Benefit
- Belonging to something meaningful – a group that values place, memory, and shared identity
- Lifelong learning – Discover fascinating stories about your town, neighborhoods, and the people
- Intellectual stimulation – Talks, archives, and research keep curious minds engaged
- Social connection – Meet neighbors who care about history, culture, and preservation
- Pride of place – Gain a deeper appreciation for where you live and its unique character
Exclusive Access & Experiences
- Behind-the-scenes access – Archives, collections, historic homes, and sites not open to the public
- Special tours and trips – Walking tours, day trips, or travel tied to local history
- Early or discounted entry – Savings on programs, workshops, and ticketed events
Impact & Legacy
- Preserve local history – Help protect buildings, documents, photographs, and oral histories
- Leave a legacy – Contribute to something that will outlast you and benefit future generations
- Advocacy voice – Be part of efforts to protect historic places from being lost or forgotten
Creative & Skill-Building Opportunities
- Hands-on involvement – Research, cataloging, exhibits, writing, or restoration projects
- Share your talents – Photography, storytelling, teaching, design, genealogy, or event planning
- Learn new skills – Archival work, historical research, preservation techniques
Family & Community Value
- Family-friendly activities – Programs that make history engaging for kids and teens
- Intergenerational connection – Learn from longtime residents and elders
- Community storytelling – Help tell a fuller, more inclusive history of the area
Practical Perks
- Member discounts – Gift shop, publications, partner museums
- Newsletter – High-quality local history content delivered regularly
- Recognition – Satisfaction (and sometimes public acknowledgment) for supporting a good cause
Join us, won't you?
Donations
Archival Materials
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Photographs – Prints, negatives, slides, and digital images
- optionally lend them for high-res scanning so originals are returned to you
- photos containing past streets, businesses, buildings are of particulal interest! - Documents & Papers – Deeds, letters, diaries, ledgers, maps, certificates...
- Manuscripts – Family histories, memoirs, and unpublished writings
- Printed Materials – Programs, flyers, posters, and ephemera
- Audio & Visual Media – Oral histories, recordings, films, and videotapes
Artifacts & Objects
- Household Items – Kitchen tools, textiles, furnishings, and décor
- Tools & Implements – Agricultural, craft, trade, or industrial tools
- Personal Effects – Clothing, accessories, uniforms, and keepsakes
- Community Objects – School, church, business, or civic organization items
- Military & Service Items – Medals, equipment, and related memorabilia
Art & Visual Culture
- Paintings & Drawings – Original works depicting local people or places
- Prints & Illustrations – Engravings, lithographs, and reproduced artwork
- Art by local artists – Especially local subject matter
Books & Research Resources
- Local History Publications – Books, pamphlets, and scholarly studies
- Genealogical Records – Family trees, research notes, and compiled histories
- Reference Materials – Atlases, directories, and specialized indexes
Digital & Contemporary Records
- Digital Files – Scanned documents, photographs, and born-digital records
(If scanning anew, high resolution images are preferred; we can provide this service.) - Web & Social Media Archives – Content documenting community life
- Recent Materials – Items reflecting modern history and ongoing change
Local Businesses & Commercial Heritage
As local businesses grow, or relocate, remodel, or close their doors, important pieces of our community’s history can be lost. We encourage owners, employees, and community members to consider preserving these materials for future generations.
- Advertisement & Promotional Materials – Keepsakes and marketing items including calendars, matchbooks, pens, magnets, shopping bags, coupons, loyalty cards, posters, print ads, mailers, signage, promotional merchandise, and other branded materials used to market local businesses
- Business Records & Ephemera – Account books, ledgers, invoices, receipts, menus, price lists, catalogs, brochures, business stationery, and business cards
- Signage & Fixtures – Exterior and interior signs, neon signs, display boards, store fixtures, counters, shelving, and unique interior elements
- Branded Materials & Merchandise – Product packaging, labels, uniforms, aprons, and name badges
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Photographs & Media – Images of storefronts, staff, customers,
grand opening announcements, closing notices, and advertisements (print, radio, television, or digital)
(Unique photos can be scanned and returned to you if you prefer.) - Oral Histories – Stories and reflections from owners, employees, and longtime customers about the business’s role in the community
- Building & Property Histories – Previous businesses and structures that shaped our changing community
Monetary Gifts
- Donations – Support preservation, conservation, and programming
- Endowments & Bequests – Long-term support for the Society’s mission
- Professional Services – Conservation, digitization, research, or design assistance
- Supplies & Equipment – Archival storage materials, display cases, or technology
Gift us, won't you?
Volunteer, Active Participation
- Hands-on involvement – Work directly on preservation, research, and collections projects.
- Project-based roles – Contribute to clearly defined tasks with visible outcomes.
- Flexible time commitments – Serve on short-term projects or ongoing initiatives.
- Camaraderie – Live a little!
Skill Contribution & Development
- Apply your expertise – Use professional or personal skills in a meaningful way.
- Learn specialized practices – Gain experience in archival handling, documentation, and interpretation.
- Creative contribution – Assist with exhibits, writing, photography, or digital projects.
Community Impact
- Preservation in action – Help safeguard historical materials for future generations.
- Public-facing work – Support programs, tours, and educational outreach.
- Support local storytelling – Help ensure community history is accurately recorded and shared.