University Archives & Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston collects materials related to the University’s history, as well as materials that reflect the University’s urban mission and strong support of community service, notably in collections of records of urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations and local history related to neighboring communities including Dorchester and the Boston Harbor Islands.
Donating Materials to Special Collections
The collection policies of UASC are guided by the University of Massachusetts Boston’s urban mission and strong support of community action and service. The areas of collection include: urban planning; social welfare agencies; alternative movements; community organizations; war and its social consequences (through partnership with the Joiner Institute); local history with relevance to Boston and surrounding areas, including notable collections associated with Dorchester, the Boston Harbor Islands, bicycling, and hip-hop; items related to the history of University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston State College and Boston Normal School and materials on other selected topics. UASC accepts donations of primary source materials from individuals, organizations, and businesses that meet the policies and guidelines in the department’s collection policy.
- For more information about donating manuscripts, organizational archives, collections of photographs, audio and video media and other materials of an archival nature, download this handout.
Transferring Materials to University Archives
As part of UMass Boston’s 50th anniversary celebrations, University Archives & Special Collections (UASC) launched the “Save Our History!” initiative which 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.
- For more information about the types of materials units should consider transferring to the University Archives, click here or download this handout.