The Local History Collection includes both ready reference which is accessible during regular library hours as well as special collections available by appointment only.
Beginning May 8, 2023: archival material in the Amesbury Public Library’s Local History Collection will be closed for research. Estimated return of the collections is July 2023. We will have limited access to material during this time. Please contact archives staff at history@amesburylibrary.org or 978.992.2123 for more information and assistance with research questions.
In the summer of 2022 high humidity and temperature levels in the vault and records room storage space of the library led to an outbreak of silverfish, a pest known to consume paper and book glue. In order to provide stable temperature and humidity levels and mitigate this risk to our collections, we will install climate control in these critical storage spaces. To ensure the collections remain safe and secure during this construction, our material will be professionally packed and stored in an offsite museum grade secure warehouse.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve conditions for our most priceless material.
Partial support for this project comes from the Amesbury Public Library Charitable Trust. For more information about the Trust or to make a donation contact Meghan Fahey at mfahey@amesburylibrary.org or call 978.992.2123
For questions or appointments to review special collections please contact:
Meghan Fahey, Archivist
mfahey@amesburylibrary.org
978-388-8148 Ext. 609
The collection focuses on materials about the history of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and the surrounding geographical area including Salisbury and the Merrimack Valley that establish Amesbury within its historical context. Emphasis is also given to the acquisition of those materials which will contribute to a knowledge of the region’s social, civic, religious, economic and cultural life, past and present.
The collection emphasizes material of significant local and historical value and includes materials by and about the people of Amesbury, Amesbury High School Yearbooks, cemetery maps, personal papers, manuscripts, deeds, scrapbooks, books, ephemera, and genealogical information.
The Local History collection includes books, diaries, pamphlets, newsletters, bulletins, periodicals, reports, letters, speeches, newspapers, manuscripts, documents, maps, atlases, clippings, postcards, photographs, photographic negatives, slides, films, videotapes, electronic materials, paintings, posters, stereo views, genealogical records, memorabilia and ephemera such as commemorative programs and advertisements.
Gifts & Donations
The library welcomes donations to its Local History Collection. All donated materials must be free of dirt, mold, moisture, and pests, and should be in good condition. Donors must sign a “Deed of Gift” transferring ownership, and copyright, if applicable, to the Amesbury Public Library. The donor and the library each retain a copy of the deed of gift.
The library reserves the right to decline gift offers. Gifts which are out of scope or which require more resources to preserve and make available than the library can provide will not be accepted. Please do not drop off donations without a prior appointment.
To discuss your donation please contact history@amesburylibrary.org or Meghan Fahey at 978-388-8148 ext. 609 or email mfahey@amesburylibrary.org.
Programs
The Amesbury Library has a Genealogy Club and also Local History Programs. You can find more information here.
Genealogy Resources
We have provided some resources to help you in your search for local history and genealogy. You can find more information here.
For information about the City of Amesbury go to www.amesburyma.gov