Our Collections
The Belmont Historical Society maintains a diverse collection of items for the purposes of preservation, education, research and study, including:
- Artifacts of wood, metal, glass and ceramic
- Books
- Newspapers, archives, and ephemera
- Maps and atlases
- Photographs, slides and negatives
- Framed objects and art
- Audio tapes and visual media
- Clothing and textiles
- Wellington Station
These items relate to both the ordinary and extraordinary lives of the people in this geographic location, later incorporated as the Town of Belmont in 1859, covering the time period from the original settlers in 1630 up to the current events of today.
Our storage and display space is limited, and there is an investment associated with maintaining the collection, specifically documenting, cataloguing, storing, preserving, protecting and providing accessibility for research and exhibition. Accordingly, the Belmont Historical Society only accepts materials, whether object or archival items, that pertain to the town of Belmont, Massachusetts. Materials must have been made or used by a Belmont resident, business or organization or must have some definable connection to the town of Belmont. In addition, items must meet the following criteria:
- The item is historically significant
- The item has an established provenance
- The item can be adequately stored and cared for by the society
- The item is in sound condition
- The item does not duplicate existing holdings
- Ownership of the item by the potential donor is not in question
- Unrestricted ownership and all rights to the item will be transferred to the society
Within these guidelines, the society is always interested in receiving donations of materials that would add to our collection of information and memorabilia concerning Belmont. Please contact the society at BelmontHistory1859@gmail.com, (617) 993-2878, or P.O. Box 125, Belmont MA 02478.