Q. I have a family heirloom that is deteriorating. How do I take care of it?
A. Caring for things of historic value is an interesting and sometimes challenging task. Some may require the assistance of a professional conservator. Please be aware that a conservator needs to see the object and cannot make a diagnosis over the telephone. You should expect the conservator to provide a written treatment proposal. These may be separate from, or included in, the cost of the treatment. If you go through with the treatment, you should also expect a written report that explains what was done.
Q. Can you tell me the value of my family heirloom?
A. There are several sources that you can contact for appraisals.
Q. How did the collections at the Historical Society come about?
A. More than 95% of the collections have been donated since CCHS was founded in 1893. Donors offer papers, objects or photographs of historical interest to Chester County because they feel there is a story worth preserving and sharing. Some also feel they can no longer care for the items properly. Our goal is to honor the community’s trust and to fulfill our mission by preserving and making accessible to the public those things that help tell our collective story.
If you are unsure of whether or not your item(s) might be of interest, do not hesitate to contact CCHS and speak to someone in the collections department.
Q. Does the Historical Society ever purchase items for the collection?
A. On occasion we are able to purchase items through the generosity of past donors who have contributed funds for that purpose. Financial contributions to the Collections Fund for future acquisitions are welcome.
Q. Does CCHS give tax write-offs for donations?
A. Donors may obtain a tax deduction within the calendar year of the completed donation by locating the Charitable Contribution information and form on the IRS website. Accountants well versed in charitable giving should be consulted. Please note that CCHS is prohibited by the IRS from providing a financial appraisal of donations.
Q. What does the Historical Society collect?
A. We collect items for the library, museum and photo archives that are about Chester County life and development up to the present. Items may relate to the greater southeastern Pennsylvania area if appropriate to the stories of local interest. Collections range from the ordinary to the unique, without regard to social, religious, cultural, economic or political background. Our Collections Management Policy provides the framework for what we collect. Items more likely to be accepted are of historic interest, do not duplicate items already collected, are in good condition and can be cared for reasonably by CCHS. There are exceptions to the rule.
CCHS follows professional codes of ethics and adheres to the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). CCHS does not accept things illegally obtained and does not condone the destruction of property or accept things obtained by deliberate destruction for the purpose of donation. Salvaged items, however, may be considered.
Museum
Museum collections include but are not limited to agricultural, industrial and domestic artifacts; decorative and fine art items including paintings, prints, ceramics and glass, furniture, and metals; prehistoric and Native American artifacts (adhering to the NAGPRA Act of 1990); clothing and textiles; and dolls and toys.
Library
Library collections include but are not limited to books, pamphlets, manuscripts including personal papers, archives, business records, diaries, scrapbooks, broadsides and posters, maps, architectural drawings, ephemera, and Chester County Historical Society archives.
Photo Archives
Photo Archives collections includes all types of photographic media, negatives and transparencies; audiovisual and digital recordings.
Q. How do you select exhibit topics?
A. CCHS strives to create a balance of exhibits topics that appeal to the varied interest, ages and learning styles of diverse audiences. Exhibitions may be about the collections or a local subject within the national context of history. An exhibit relates to CCHS’ mission and provides a balance of topics with other exhibits on view.
Q. Who may suggest an idea?
A. Anyone may suggest topics for exhibits. CCHS staff reviews ideas about once a year to continue the 3 to 4 year exhibit schedule. We determine whether or not an idea can stand on its own, is appropriate to the mission, has an audience, and is feasible for education, marketing and other opportunities.
Q. I have some unidentified photographs at home. Is there anyway to look up the numbers that are written on the back in photographer’s record books?
A. Photographer’s record books are very rare and sadly many are no longer in existence. The Chester County Historical Society only has inventory books for the following photographers for the following dates:
A. Have you ever seen a Civil War era photo with a stamp on the back? It is logical to assume that the photo was sent through the mail. But, look again at the stamp. It will most likely be issued by the Internal Revenue Service and will be green, orange, red or blue in color. These stamps were not used for postage, but rather indicate that a tax was paid on the purchase of the photograph. IRS stamps will appear on photographs sold between August 1, 1864 and August 1, 1866 when a tax was levied on certain "luxury" items in order to raise funds for the war effort. Pianos, carriages and playing cards were also taxed at that time as well.
Q. How do I take care of my family photo collection?
A. The Chester County Historical Society sponsors from time to time workshops on preservation. Watch our events calendar for announcements. Visit our library to use the up-to-date collection of books on the subject.
There are also many wonderful resources on the Internet for preserving photographs.
Q. What are my historical photographs worth?
A. The Chester County Historical Society does not give appraisals.
Contact the Association of International Photography Art Dealers, Inc. (AIPAD) for an appraiser in you area. Call them at (202) 986-0105 or write to AIPAD 1609 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20009.
Also check antique auction websites for current prices.
General Resources
If you are looking for more information. . .
Q. Can I rent your space?
A. Chester County Museum and Cultural Center, are the best places to hold your event or Wedding in beautiful downtown West Chester. Please contact Melinda Wentz at 610-692-4800 ext 230 or rentals@chestercohistorical.org
Q. I have a question about a person/place in Chester County, who should I contact?
A. Please call us and ask for the librarian! Call 610-692-4800 ext 226 or drofini@chestercohistorical.org
Q. How do I schedule a Group Tour?
A. To arrange a group visit, call 610-692-4800. If you have any questions regarding membership, you can call us at (610) 692-4800 or contact us through email at membership@chestercohistorical.org
Q. How can I schedule a speaker for a private group?
A. Contact Laurie, Director of Archives, at 610-344-6760.
Q. I would like to volunteer, how do I go about it? What kind of volunteer jobs are there?
A. There are so many volunteer opportunities to be involved in at CCHS. Tom McIntyre would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please call him at 610-692-4800 x 232 or email tmcintyre@chestercohistorical.org
P.S. Thank you to the volunteers who last year contributed 17,141 hours of their talents and expertise to CCHS!
Q. Who should I contact to become a CCHS Member or to renew my Membership?
A. Call CCHS at (610) 692-4800 and ask for Membership or contact us at membership@chestercohistorical.org. You can also fill out an application form, or download the membership brochure[PDF] now.
Q. How can I keep up-to-date on events, exhibits and any special speakers or seminars?
A. Please click on Email list here or at the top right column of our website and we will alert you via email to events and programs most meaningful to you.
A. Caring for things of historic value is an interesting and sometimes challenging task. Some may require the assistance of a professional conservator. Please be aware that a conservator needs to see the object and cannot make a diagnosis over the telephone. You should expect the conservator to provide a written treatment proposal. These may be separate from, or included in, the cost of the treatment. If you go through with the treatment, you should also expect a written report that explains what was done.
- Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) provides referrals based on the member conservators listed in their directory. They are listed by geographic region and area of specialty. They can be reached on the internet by using the search term: American Institute for Conservation.
- Conservation On Line (CoOL) is a project of the Preservation Department of Stanford University Libraries. Their address is http://palimpsest.stanford.edu. In addition to information they provide, there are also links to other sites and information of interest to the general public.
- www.Art-Care.com is a source that provides referrals to conservators, appraisers and other art-related needs.
Q. Can you tell me the value of my family heirloom?
A. There are several sources that you can contact for appraisals.
- Check the telephone directory yellow pages or the internet for Appraisers or Auctioneers. If you have an object related to a specific region, try to find an appraiser in that area. Antiques dealers and local auctioneers may also be of assistance.
- There are several appraisal organizations that may provide assistance in locating an appraiser:
• American Society of Appraisers
• International Society of Appraisers
• www.Art-Care.com
Q. How did the collections at the Historical Society come about?
A. More than 95% of the collections have been donated since CCHS was founded in 1893. Donors offer papers, objects or photographs of historical interest to Chester County because they feel there is a story worth preserving and sharing. Some also feel they can no longer care for the items properly. Our goal is to honor the community’s trust and to fulfill our mission by preserving and making accessible to the public those things that help tell our collective story.
If you are unsure of whether or not your item(s) might be of interest, do not hesitate to contact CCHS and speak to someone in the collections department.
Q. Does the Historical Society ever purchase items for the collection?
A. On occasion we are able to purchase items through the generosity of past donors who have contributed funds for that purpose. Financial contributions to the Collections Fund for future acquisitions are welcome.
Q. Does CCHS give tax write-offs for donations?
A. Donors may obtain a tax deduction within the calendar year of the completed donation by locating the Charitable Contribution information and form on the IRS website. Accountants well versed in charitable giving should be consulted. Please note that CCHS is prohibited by the IRS from providing a financial appraisal of donations.
Q. What does the Historical Society collect?
A. We collect items for the library, museum and photo archives that are about Chester County life and development up to the present. Items may relate to the greater southeastern Pennsylvania area if appropriate to the stories of local interest. Collections range from the ordinary to the unique, without regard to social, religious, cultural, economic or political background. Our Collections Management Policy provides the framework for what we collect. Items more likely to be accepted are of historic interest, do not duplicate items already collected, are in good condition and can be cared for reasonably by CCHS. There are exceptions to the rule.
CCHS follows professional codes of ethics and adheres to the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). CCHS does not accept things illegally obtained and does not condone the destruction of property or accept things obtained by deliberate destruction for the purpose of donation. Salvaged items, however, may be considered.
Museum
Museum collections include but are not limited to agricultural, industrial and domestic artifacts; decorative and fine art items including paintings, prints, ceramics and glass, furniture, and metals; prehistoric and Native American artifacts (adhering to the NAGPRA Act of 1990); clothing and textiles; and dolls and toys.
Library
Library collections include but are not limited to books, pamphlets, manuscripts including personal papers, archives, business records, diaries, scrapbooks, broadsides and posters, maps, architectural drawings, ephemera, and Chester County Historical Society archives.
Photo Archives
Photo Archives collections includes all types of photographic media, negatives and transparencies; audiovisual and digital recordings.
Q. How do you select exhibit topics?
A. CCHS strives to create a balance of exhibits topics that appeal to the varied interest, ages and learning styles of diverse audiences. Exhibitions may be about the collections or a local subject within the national context of history. An exhibit relates to CCHS’ mission and provides a balance of topics with other exhibits on view.
Q. Who may suggest an idea?
A. Anyone may suggest topics for exhibits. CCHS staff reviews ideas about once a year to continue the 3 to 4 year exhibit schedule. We determine whether or not an idea can stand on its own, is appropriate to the mission, has an audience, and is feasible for education, marketing and other opportunities.
Q. I have some unidentified photographs at home. Is there anyway to look up the numbers that are written on the back in photographer’s record books?
A. Photographer’s record books are very rare and sadly many are no longer in existence. The Chester County Historical Society only has inventory books for the following photographers for the following dates:
- George Pyle, itinerant daguerreotypist, Register of Sitters, December 1846 – October 1847
- Gilbert Cope, West Chester, Inventory of Glass Plate Negatives 1887-1918
- Ned Goode, West Chester, Inventory of jobs, 1938 – June 1954
A. Have you ever seen a Civil War era photo with a stamp on the back? It is logical to assume that the photo was sent through the mail. But, look again at the stamp. It will most likely be issued by the Internal Revenue Service and will be green, orange, red or blue in color. These stamps were not used for postage, but rather indicate that a tax was paid on the purchase of the photograph. IRS stamps will appear on photographs sold between August 1, 1864 and August 1, 1866 when a tax was levied on certain "luxury" items in order to raise funds for the war effort. Pianos, carriages and playing cards were also taxed at that time as well.
Q. How do I take care of my family photo collection?
A. The Chester County Historical Society sponsors from time to time workshops on preservation. Watch our events calendar for announcements. Visit our library to use the up-to-date collection of books on the subject.
There are also many wonderful resources on the Internet for preserving photographs.
- Conservation On-Line, website of the American Institute of Conservators (AIC), provides links to information on preservation of all types of materials, conservation issues, and listings of conservators. See: palimpsest.stanford.edu
- This site will list a choice for “Conservation/Preservation for the general public” which is an excellent resource for information on caring for photographs, textiles, objects, paintings, etc. See: aic.stanford.edu/treasure/photos.html
- The Library of Congress has a special preservation website with helpful information on all types of materials such as books, manuscripts, maps, motion pictures, photographs, etc. See: www.nara.gov/arch/faqs/aboutph.html
- Wilhelm Research, an independent testing laboratory, offers testing results on the longevity of photographic materials and now also digital image prints. This is the most up to date information available for those moving into digital photographic printing. See: www.wilhelm-research.co
Q. What are my historical photographs worth?
A. The Chester County Historical Society does not give appraisals.
Contact the Association of International Photography Art Dealers, Inc. (AIPAD) for an appraiser in you area. Call them at (202) 986-0105 or write to AIPAD 1609 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20009.
Also check antique auction websites for current prices.
General Resources
If you are looking for more information. . .
- The Official Museum Directory is available in the CCHS library or public libraries. It lists museums by state and has a subject index. It is helpful for locating information about museums that specialize in subjects, areas of history, art or science. You can also find out if, for example, an historical society exists in a specific geographic location.
- Maloney's Antiques and Collectibles Resource Directory is divided by subjects, such as Dolls or Civil War. Each subject includes contact information for dealers, museums and publications. This is especially helpful in directing your search to specialists for information about specific items.
Q. Can I rent your space?
A. Chester County Museum and Cultural Center, are the best places to hold your event or Wedding in beautiful downtown West Chester. Please contact Melinda Wentz at 610-692-4800 ext 230 or rentals@chestercohistorical.org
Q. I have a question about a person/place in Chester County, who should I contact?
A. Please call us and ask for the librarian! Call 610-692-4800 ext 226 or drofini@chestercohistorical.org
Q. How do I schedule a Group Tour?
A. To arrange a group visit, call 610-692-4800. If you have any questions regarding membership, you can call us at (610) 692-4800 or contact us through email at membership@chestercohistorical.org
Q. How can I schedule a speaker for a private group?
A. Contact Laurie, Director of Archives, at 610-344-6760.
Q. I would like to volunteer, how do I go about it? What kind of volunteer jobs are there?
A. There are so many volunteer opportunities to be involved in at CCHS. Tom McIntyre would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please call him at 610-692-4800 x 232 or email tmcintyre@chestercohistorical.org
P.S. Thank you to the volunteers who last year contributed 17,141 hours of their talents and expertise to CCHS!
Q. Who should I contact to become a CCHS Member or to renew my Membership?
A. Call CCHS at (610) 692-4800 and ask for Membership or contact us at membership@chestercohistorical.org. You can also fill out an application form, or download the membership brochure[PDF] now.
Q. How can I keep up-to-date on events, exhibits and any special speakers or seminars?
A. Please click on Email list here or at the top right column of our website and we will alert you via email to events and programs most meaningful to you.