Great Barrington Historical Society (GBHS) is a private, non-profit organization founded with the purpose of collecting and preserving materials pertinent to the history of Great Barrington and Housatonic.

GBHS collection consists of artifacts including locally manufactured items, textiles, porcelain, sculptures, souvenirs, weaponry, ethnographic material, artwork, photographic equipment, models, trophies, clocks, textiles, clothing, household items and furniture. It also includes printed and handwritten material such as original documents, business and organization records, maps, newspapers, manuscripts, deeds, letters, church records, legal papers, photographic collections, books, and ephemera.

GBHS collects the above-mentioned items that are related to the town of Great Barrington, the village of Housatonic, and the hamlets of Seekonk, Risingdale and Van Deusenville. GBHS is particularly interested in items that are associated with historically significant locations, structures, individuals, organizations, businesses, groups, and events. GBHS also collects books by local authors, as well as artwork and photographs by local residents. We also accept select reference materials to assist with research and education.

Collection donations to GBHS are accepted under the following conditions:

  • GBHS should be contacted BEFORE any items are donated. Do not drop off items at our doorstep, or without contacting us first. We can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 413-591-8702.
  • Collection donations will be accepted after review by the GBHS Board of Directors and the Collections Committee.
  • Items should have a direct association or connection with Great Barrington, Housatonic and/or its past or current residents.
  • Items should be in good condition, undamaged and adequate for research purposes.
  • Items for which extensive preservation and care are required, usually cannot not be accepted.
  • Items must be able to be stored in GBHS archives repositories.
    GBHS cannot make any commitments concerning the display, use, or retention of donated items.
  • Items cannot be accepted on permanent or indefinite loan. Exceptions will only be made under the express authorization of the Board of Directors.
  • GBHS generally does not have the budget to purchase items.
  • GBHS legally cannot provide the donor with any written statement or opinion as to the value of a donated item.
  • Donors are required to sign a deed-of-gift unconditionally transferring all rights, title, and interest for the item(s) donated. If there are other rights holders, donors must get their approval before donating.

Donors will receive a written acknowledgement of their gift. Two copies of a deed-of-gift, signed by both the donor and an officer of the Board of Directors, will be issued. Each party will retain a copy. By signing the deed-of-gift, the donor attests they have clear title and the right to transfer legal ownership, intellectual property rights, and physical custody of the item(s) being donated. The deed-of-gift reads as follows, or in a similar manner:

I, donor’s name, herby give, grant and convey the property described below to the Great Barrington Historical Society. I hereby relinquish and transfer to the Great Barrington Historical Society all rights, title and interests, including any literary rights and all transferred copyright, trademark and related interest to the property. The future use or disposal of this property shall be at the sole, unrestricted discretion of the Great Barrington Historical Society. This constitutes our complete agreement.