Please refer to the By-Laws of the Richmond County Historical Society here.

The Richmond County Historical Society (RCHS) Archives exist to enrich both the local and wider community by researching, conserving, and sharing the history of our area. 

Our mission encompasses:

Collecting and Preserving: We prioritize the storage, protection, and conservation of archival materials relevant to the history of our region. All materials are evaluated for their historical significance and condition to ensure appropriate preservation.

Public Access and Education: We facilitate public access to our collections, offering educational programming to foster a deeper appreciation of local history. We strive to make our materials accessible while balancing this with preservation needs.

Ownership and Deaccessioning: Materials acquired by the RCHS Archives become the permanent property of the RCHS. If materials are deemed no longer relevant to our mission or are beyond our capacity to care for, they may be deaccessioned by the Executive Committee, with advice from the Archivist. Records of deaccessioning are meticulously maintained for transparency and historical integrity.

Reproduction and Usage: The RCHS retains the right to reproduce materials for conservation, exhibition, or research purposes using various methods. Reproduction of published materials is subject to copyright laws. The RCHS also provides authorization for copies of materials to researchers, authors, and other individuals upon request, subject to our usage policies and any applicable copyright restrictions.

Acceptance of Historical Material: We accept historical materials of any relevant medium. Acceptance is based on the relevance of the material to our mission, as well as our capacity to preserve and care for the item. Factors such as the condition of the material, including potential issues like mold or safety hazards, are assessed to ensure that we can properly manage and protect the collection.

By adhering to these principles, we strive to ensure the accessibility, preservation, and responsible use of our archival collections for present and future generations.