Archival Center

ARCHIVAL CENTER
Town Hall, Lower Level
71 Mount Vernon Street
Winchester, MA 1 887
781−721−7146

Office Hours:
First Tuesday of the month, 7 – 9 p.m.
Second Thursday, 1 – 3 p.m.
Third Thursday, 3 – 5 p.m.
MISSION: The Archival Center collects and preserves materials that document all aspects of Winchester history and the lives of its residents; assists research into Winchester history by facilitating public access to the information contained within the collection; provides historical information to other municipal departments and town officials; and collaborates with the Public Library, Town Clerk, Historical Society, and Historical Commission in promoting community awareness and participation in documenting local history.
COLLECTIONS: The collections include primary and secondary documents (manuscripts, typescripts, print materials, photographs, maps, research reports, artworks, misc. newspapers, published histories, oral histories) on such subjects as town government, schools, waterways, public events, biography and family history, architecture, military service, churches, clubs and organizations, industry and business, and more. The Archival Center also has records of the Winchester Historical Commission.
DONATIONS: Gifts of materials relating to local history are gladly received, as are electronic copies of scanned photos or documents. Loans of materials for the Center to make copies are also welcome.
ACCESS: All visitors must be supervised by one of the part-​time volunteers who staff the Archival Center. Patrons who cannot visit the Archival Center during its open hours may request individual appointments by phone or e-​mail. Such appointments are made by individual volunteers at their discretion.
No original materials are allowed out on loan. However, patrons may usually order copies
RESEARCH ASSISTANCE: Mail requests for research assistance are welcome but will be evaluated for possible costs and time constraints. Volunteers will answer mail, phone, and e-​mail requests for research assistance that require no more than twenty minutes. Fees for copies may apply. Allow two weeks for a reply.
For in-​depth research, patrons will be referred to a local researcher with whom independent arrangements may be made.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Would you have old photos of my house?
The Center has files on homes built before 1917, all of which have at least one photo from the 1970s. There may be other photos as well. Please provide an address and we can check. For copying photos, please see the forms and fees page (s)
I’m looking for architectural plans of my house. Do you keep them?
We have only a few. We do accept them into the collection.
I’m doing genealogy. Do you have vital records or other family information?
The Town Clerk’s office keeps all vital records, which date from 1850 when the town was incorporated. The Archival Center has some family files and a variety of resources for researching family history. The Winchester Public Library has local newspapers on microfilm that are partially indexed and some published genealogies in its Local History Room which may also be consulted.
My house or a house I’m interested in buying is considered historic. Are there restrictions on it?
All questions regarding historic homes or districts should be directed to the Winchester Historical Commission.


FEE SCHEDULE
Photocopies .20
Scanned image (non-​profit) $ 5.00
Scanned image (commercial, for-​profit) $ 50.00
Sending scanned image by e-​mail or burning to CD supplied by patron no charge
Color or B&W print on photographic paper
8.5×11
4×6 or 5×7
$ 5.00
$ 2.00
CD supplied by the Archives $ 3.00
Photographic print from a negative
5×7
8×10
$ 5.00
$ 10.00
Photographic print from an original [if service is available]
5×7
8×10
$ 10.00
$ 15.00
Postage and handling $ 3.00
Fees are waived for
— Winchester municipal departments and schools
— one-​time use in local newspapers (except materials costs)
— Winchester Historical Society non-​profit uses (except materials costs)
Fees (except materials costs) may be waived for
— one-​time, non-​profit or education use, as approved.
— patrons with their own photographic equipment, if used on site and if approved for non-​profit purposes
In return for waiving fees, a copy of the publication must be lodged with the Archives.
Whether a fee is required or not, the applicant must complete and sign a reproduction agreement form before copies are made, unless the image is a public record.