Archives & Document Room
Archival Collecting Policy
The archival collecting policy of Ligonier Valley Historical Society reflects the Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and make accessible materials related to the history of the Ligonier Valley. In collecting, Ligonier Valley Historical Society focuses on original manuscripts, photographs, and other tangible objects created by or related to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations that have a strong connection to Ligonier Valley history. Ligonier Valley Historical Society will encourage the use of its collections through exhibitions and loans to responsible institutions. Where feasible, Ligonier Valley Historical Society will make stored collections accessible to responsible researchers.
Criteria for Acquisitions
Items to be accessioned into the Society’s Archival Collection should meet one of the following criteria for pertinence and be in such a condition that they can be maintained or preserved in their present state and that such maintenance or preservation efforts and materials are within the scope of the resources of the Society now and in the foreseeable future.
The item(s) should be a legal document or manuscript originating or pertaining to Ligonier Valley.
The item(s) should be written or published by a resident or originate in an organization in Ligonier Valley. Item(s) could include, but not be limited to, memoirs, letters, diaries, post cards, genealogical material, store ledgers, invoices, etc.
The item(s) should be about or refer to a resident, business, church, structure, or organization in Ligonier Valley.
The item(s) should possess unique qualities or which are useful in relation to the remainder of the archival collection or be of assistance in study and research.
Item(s) must be original. Although newspapers are not usually considered archival material, they shall be considered and handled as archival material.
Item(s) less than 25 years old will be reviewed by the Archives Committee and Archivist for possible acceptance.
Items that will not be accessioned into the Archival Collection include the following:
Printed material (newspapers excepted) unless an integral part of the collection
Item(s) in poor condition
Item(s) without merit or value as determined by the Archivist.
Item(s) not associated with or have a connection to Ligonier Valley.
Item(s) copied by any duplicating process.
Our Collections
Due to limited staffing, Research Requests are temporarily on hold Until further Notice.
Ligonier Valley Historical Society’s Archive has materials including books, documents, photos, and ephemera that focus on local citizens, businesses, and events. Through volunteer help, the Society is currently in the process of creating an electronic database to improve access to our collections. Visits to Ligonier Valley Historical Society’s Archive are available by appointment only. Appointments are required for archival research visits due to limited staff. This policy provides staff time to pull requested materials and ensures resources are ready for you prior to your visit.
Please call 724-238-6818 or email tgrohall@compassinn.org to make an appointment. We are happy to help with your research on the Ligonier Valley.
Research Requests
Research requests, with the exception of ready reference, must be submitted in writing either by mail or e-mail. In order for us to better assist you, please be as specific as possible with what information you already know and what information you are looking for. This will help us to answer your question and avoid duplicating the research you’ve already done.
Upon submitting your inquiry for in-depth research an initial time/cost assessment will be conducted. If there are no resources pertaining to your request, no fee will be charged.
To ask a question about research, reproduction, use, loan, and/or viewing of objects in the museum collections, or to make an appointment to use the library and archives, please contact Theresa Gay Rohall at tgrohall@compassinn.org or 724-238-6818.
