About the Historical Collection

In one respect, a historical society museum is like a beloved grandparent’s attic. There are letters containing untold stories, and old tools that fell out of use long ago. But, at a historical society, the curiosities and heirlooms preserve the past of many families who had one thing in common: their community. And that common community is what gives a historical society its unique purpose.

Although the activities of the Sheridan Historical Society are not limited to the maintenance of a museum, our collection of artifacts and memorabilia is at the heart of our mission. At the society’s Historical Center on the second floor of the Sheridan Town Hall, the old treasures from one family’s attic can be appreciated by everyone who visits. Together, they tell the story of Sheridan, New York.

The society aims to collect and preserve any historical items that have been created or used in Sheridan, or that “are otherwise relevant to the history or life of the community.” In addition to old photographs, newspaper clippings and small mementoes, the collection features: 19th and early 20th century clothing, documents and artifacts from local Civil War soldiers, various tools used by late 19th and early 20th century farming families, and a host of items from past and present town organizations, ranging from the Sheridan Fire Department to the former local chapter of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows. After they officially disbanded, members of the Sheridan Grange recently passed on to the historical society (with the permission of the New York State Grange) all records of their organization, beginning with the earliest ledgers from the late 1800s.

The Responsibility of Our Board of Trustees
In successfully applying for a charter from the New York State Board of Regents in 2000, the society took on the responsibility of implementing appropriate policies, procedures and documentation to preserve both the treasures donated by community members and information about those treasures. To accomplish these goals, historical societies across the country borrow from the standard management practices of museums. In the absence of any paid staff member, administration of our collection falls to our nine-member Board of Trustees and a few dedicated volunteers who serve on our Collections Committee.

If are thinking about donating an item, the information that follows may answer some of your questions.

Documenting New Donations
Donors are asked to sign what is called a “Deed of Gift” form. This form serves a two-part legal purpose. First, it asks donors to affirm their own ownership of the keepsake (and, therefore, their right to give it). Second, it transfers ownership to the society.

The “Deed of Gift” also serves another purpose in helping the society preserve information about the new donation. The ability to answer the questions of future visitors depends upon the initial recording of all the information donors provide at the time of their gift. The form includes a large space for an object description. If a donor knows a lot about the history of an artifact, he or she may also fill out a longer questionnaire with space for genealogical information about the people who are part of the item’s story.

All donations must be accepted officially by the Board of Trustees. Although unlikely, there may be times when an item is not accepted, possibly because it does not have a particular link to the town, or because the society does not have the means or space to care for it.

This Underwood typewriter was used by former Town Clerk Ford Tucker for many years. It was donated by Mr. Tucker’s son, Leo.

Managing & Preserving the Collection
The next part of the historical society’s job is to do its best to physically preserve the artifact. As part of the chartering process, the society adopted what museum professionals call a “collection management policy.” In addition to calling for certain paperwork, this policy generally outlines what artifacts the society collects and how it intends to care for them.
As resources allow, society volunteers try to handle, store, and display each artifact using methods and materials that will prevent it from deteriorating or becoming damaged. In the case of photographs and paper items, for example, acid-free products purchased from regional archival supply companies help prevent old letters and pictures from getting yellow or brittle. Money raised at fund-raisers and donated by visitors to the Historical Center helps the society pay for these archival supplies.

To Donate an Item
If you have an item you might like to donate, please call 672-2201 or bring it by the Sheridan Town Hall during one of our monthly meetings. Regular society meetings are held the last Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. You may also bring the item to the Historical Center during its regular summer hours (see below). Be prepared to fill out one of our “Deed of Gift” forms and to tell us any information you have about the item.

Visiting the Historical Center
The Historical Center is open seasonally, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of July and August, or by appointment. Additional hours are scheduled throughout the year for special events. There is no charge for admission. The Town Hall is located on the corner of Route 20 and Center Road in Sheridan.