Save Our History!

How to Transfer Historic Materials to University Archives & Special Collections

As part of UMass Boston’s 50th anniversary activities, University Archives & Special Collections (UASC) called for the transfer of founding documents and organizational records from all units on campus. These include (but are not limited to) academic departments, administrative units, institutes, centers, and student groups.

What are we looking for?

University Archives & Special Collections is calling for original materials that document the founding, structure, history, and activities of UMass Boston. We welcome:

  • Architectural records, maps, and blueprints
  • Articles of incorporation, bylaws, charters, and constitutions
  • Audio and video recordings
  • Brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and other original publications generated by your unit
  • Conference proceedings
  • Event materials
  • Founding and planning documents
  • Handbooks and manuals originating from that unit
  • Membership lists and rosters
  • Memoranda and correspondence
  • Minutes of meetings
  • Organizational charts and directories
  • Photographs, negatives, and slides
  • Policies and procedural documents
  • Press releases
  • Reports originating from that unit

Materials NOT to Transfer

We do not accept materials that include sensitive financial, health-related, or personal information, including:

  • Copies of checks
  • Credit card numbers
  • Personal addresses and phone numbers
  • Personal health information
  • Social security numbers

 Not sure if we want it? Contact us at library.archives@umb.edu.

 The Transfer Process

If you are interested in transferring your unit’s records to UASC, please contact us at library.archives@umb.edu or 617-287-5944 to set up an appraisal appointment. UASC staff will work with you to identify historically important materials from your department. We can also assist you in the physical transfer process of materials from your department to UASC.

Transferring University records from your department to UASC involves signing a Transfer Agreement, which includes any restrictions on access.

What happens next?

After you transfer your records to UASC, they will become part of the University Archives. The collection will be organized by UASC staff, a process which involves housing materials in acid-free archival quality folders and boxes for long-term preservation. Staff will then create a finding aid which will include an inventory of the materials, a historical note about your campus unit, and information about the scope and content of the collection. The finding aid will be uploaded to our digital collections site, Open Archives, so that researchers may access the collection. Transferring materials to UASC ensures that they will be preserved and easily accessible for the future.

About University Archives & Special Collections at UMass Boston

University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston was established in 1981 as a repository to collect archival material in subject areas of interest to the university, as well as the records of the university itself. The mission and history of UMass Boston guide the collection policies of University Archives & Special Collections, with the university’s urban mission and strong support of community service reflected in the records of and related to urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, war and social consequence, and local history related to neighboring communities. To learn more, visit blogs.umb.edu/archives.