The West End Museum Archives hold the Museum’s collection of material culture related to the West End. The archives span approximately a century and a half of Boston’s history, preserving the stories of West Enders, their families, and institutions, as well as material relating to similar topics, urban renewal, etc.
The West End Museum Archives
Contributing to the Archives
Donate
Donating an object or collection to the Archives preserves these objects for future generations of Museum-goers, researchers, and others. Donating is simple, and can be done by contacting archives@thewestendmuseum.org. Like all gifts to the WEM, archival donations are tax-deductible.
Common donations include documents, photographs, books and recordings; however, people are sometimes surprised to know that furniture, clothing, receipts, and many other items can be of significant value to the Museum collection. We’re happy to discuss items on an individual basis.
West End Stories
Even if you don’t have any material items from the West End, you can still help us grow our collections by sharing your story in writing, or through a recorded interview as part of the Museum’s West End Stories program.
We are always looking for people who can contribute their experiences of the West End, both pre- and post-urban renewal.
Accessing The West End Museum Archives
The Museum Archives aren’t just an internal resource, they are made available for research upon request as well. We welcome any use of archival material that is not in conflict with the Museum’s mission. Inquires about materials and resources in the archives can be made to archives@thewestendmuseum.org.