BHS ARCHIVES

The Beacon Historical Society was founded in 1976 with a mission to discover, procure, preserve, and present the history of Beacon, New York and its antecedent communities of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing and local environs. Our collections include materials that reflect the over 300-year history of our city and include artifacts, photographs, books, records, manuscripts, newspapers, ephemera, maps, genealogies, portraits, letters, journals, postcards, and more. 

If you have a research question, request, or would like to donate an item, please complete the form below, or contact (845) 831-0514 for more information. Click here for our Image Use and Research Request Form, which includes our fee schedule for Research, Imaging and Reproduction.

 
 

FORM FOR RESEARCH REQUESTS, DONATIONS, OR GENERAL QUESTIONS

Would you like to donate an item to the Beacon Historical Society and help preserve our history?
The Accessions Committee will consider the following when accepting an item into our archives:

  • Item must relate to the history of Beacon, Fishkill Landing, Matteawan and local environs.

  • Donor must have the legal right to donate the item.

  • Condition of the item.

  • Terms and restrictions.

  • Storage space and materials needed to help preserve the item. If an item requires special archival materials, please consider making a monetary donation to cover those costs.

Please fill out the form with detailed information about your item/s for our consideration.

If the item is accepted into our collection, we will have you sign a Deed of Gift that transfers legal title of the item/s to the Society. Items cannot be returned to the donor once the Deed of Gift has been signed.

The IRS allows individuals to deduct items donated to charitable organizations like the Beacon Historical Society. Please contact a certified tax specialist for more information. We cannot provide an appraisal or estimate on the value of your item. Your item will be in the permanent collection and available to researchers and the general public by appointment. Objects in the collection are displayed based on current exhibit needs.