CRHS Collections Policy


The primary focus of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society is education of the public on the natural, social, political, cultural, and economic history of the Camden-Rockport area from the earliest times to the present. Objects acquired should relate to daily life and business activities of the local area and care should be taken to prevent duplications of collections with other institutions. 

The Society will maintain and preserve its manuscript and photographic collection and will also acquire materials, including:

  • Period clothing, tools, artwork, furniture, and artifacts.
  • Objects that may not directly relate to the Society’s mission but contribute to or enhance exhibits and/or programs.
  • Written material of historical and cultural significance, such as diaries, deeds, and military service records.
  • Photographs, videos/DVDs, etc., of families, individuals, community organizations, and businesses that have either played a significant role and/or have achieved statewide or national prominence and are somehow strongly identified with our communities.
  • Manuscripts, photographs, videos, etc. relating to town-sponsored celebrations, conferences, festivals, etc. 
  • Oral histories in printed or audio-visual format of citizens of the local area and neighboring communities, both past and present.
  • Materials pertaining to the local area include, but are not limited to, local newspapers, maps, family histories, and local histories.
  • Record books, artifacts and ephemera of historical significance from Camden and Rockport businesses and various local organizations.

Acquisition Policy

Items acquired for the collection must conform to the following criteria:

  • Relevant to the mission and purposes of the Society as described above, and suitable for display or study. 
  • Associated with the Camden/ Rockport area and illustrates some portion of local history.
  • Complement, not duplicate, other items in the collection.
  • The Society must be able to house and care for the item according to professionally accepted standards, The Society will not accept records of extant organizations that are likely to generate large quantities of records in the foreseeable future, nor will the Society accept materials that the Society cannot provide adequate access (items for which the Society lacks proper sound or video technology.)
  • The donor or donor’s representative must sign a deed of gift provided by the Society and also signed by a Society Trustee or representative.
  • The donor must provide a clear and unconditional title with no restrictions attached to the acquisition of the item. Occasional exceptions may be made by the Society Board of Trustees when it is clearly in the long-term interest of the Society.
  • Permanent loans of materials will not typically be considered, except in extenuating circumstances and with the Board of Trustee’s approval.

For more information about the Society’s collections policies, please contact crhsme@gmail.com