Archives & Special Collections
The Donald Blair Research Center of the Westfield Athenaeum preserves unique materials on Westfield history, including original documents dating from the late 1600s to the present day. We collect items from and about individuals, families, and cultural groups in Westfield; businesses and private institutions; schools, politics, and government; and the Westfield Athenaeum.
Our climate-controlled storage space contains over 500 linear feet of letters, photographs, maps, drawings, personal papers, diaries, mayoral papers, manuscripts, business records, books, reports, stereoscopes, business ledgers, clothing, furniture, and other ephemera.
View an A to Z list of our collections.
Genealogy & Local History Research Assistance
One of our most popular services is research assistance. If your topic of research focuses on family and home genealogy, local history, or the history of the greater Westfield region, please contact the Local History Librarian at (413) 568-7833 x 5, or email a reference librarian at reference@westath.org.
If your project is extensive, we’re happy to help you get started. Our research assistance services are very popular, so to maximize our help to as many patrons as possible, research assistance is typically limited to 1 to 2 hours per patron. If further research is required, we can provide you with a list of genealogical resources.
If your project instead involves deeper dives into the history, notable persons and locations, or artifacts of Westfield specifically, read on to learn more about using the materials stored in the Archives. The primary public service offered by the Archives is that of scheduling access to rare materials, as our staff’s focus is on maintaining, organizing and expanding the collection. If you need assistance with your research or learning which materials relevant to your search are available, contact our Local History Librarian to get started.
How to Use the Archives
Who can use the archives?
The archives are accessible by appointment to anyone conducting research about Westfield. Individuals who wish to learn about the history of our area are welcome and encouraged to use our collections, beginning with the publicly accessible books and documents available at the Reference Desk. These items are accessible during regular business hours without an appointment.
Special viewings, class visits, and tours can be arranged with advance notice.
What are the rules for using the archives?
Because our materials are unique historical items, they can’t be checked out like a regular library book. Instead, we invite you to make an appointment to come visit the archives and view materials there.
When using archival materials, please follow the Archives Access and Handling Policy in order to help us preserve these rare items.
If you wish to use or reproduce an image from the Westfield Athenaeum Archives, refer to the Image Use and Reproduction Policy, which includes a request form.
How can I make an appointment?
Please call the Archivist at (413) 568-7833 x 110 to let us know what you’re looking for and schedule an appointment.
If you’re unable to visit in person, we can offer remote research assistance. Please call us at (413) 568-7833 x110 to discuss your situation. If you prefer to reach us by letter, please address your letter to Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085 ATTN: Archives
Donating to the Archives
How can I donate items to the archives?
The Westfield Athenaeum Archives contains materials related to the history of Westfield. We actively seek manuscript material, photographs, and records that shed light on the history of Westfield’s various populations, cultural life, commercial enterprises, and political history.
We ask patrons to avoid bringing items to the library unless they have first contacted the archivist to discuss what you wish to donate. We assess all items based on the criteria above.
If your donation meets all the necessary criteria for acceptance into the collection, you will be asked to complete a deed of gift form. This form will document your donation and our acceptance of your gift, and will serve as a record of the transfer of ownership to the Westfield Athenaeum.
Decisions about donations are made by the archivist with the approval of the library director. Larger items may need to be approved by the Athenaeum’s board of directors.
For more information, please refer to the collection policy for historical materials.
How can I make a monetary donation?
The Westfield Athenaeum Archives accepts monetary donations to support our ongoing archival and preservation work. To find out how to donate, please contact Theresa Racine, Administrative Assistant, at tracine@westath.org.