The Archives Policy

The Archives Collection Policy was approved at a meeting of the Archives & Historical Records Committee in 2017. The policy describes the types of submissions that are desired to ensure that the Archives preserve rich documentation of the work of the Yearly Meeting and its constituent meetings. The past and future records of NEYM are the foundation of this collecting initiative. 

The full text of the Archives Collection Policy is attached below, under "Downloads." The following types of records should be donated to the New England Yearly Meeting Archives. Other items may be accepted into the Archives on a case-by-case basis by SCUA in collaboration with the Archives Committee of NEYM.

The Archives will accept any of these types of records in digital form if that is how they have been created. Meetings may also choose to print all or some records and submit the printouts. Although it is not a requirement, consider using acid-free paper if you choose to print materials.

• Minutes of meetings for business
• Vital statistics
• Indexes to minutes or vital records
• Newsletters
• Committee records
• Visual and audio-visual materials
• Web sites
• Books and pamphlets
• Serials, magazines, and journals published by Yearly Meeting or about NEYM.
• Records of any Quaker-affiliated organizations based in New England.
• Personal papers

Please consult the Archives Collection Policy for details about the transfer of ownership and copyright, and specifics about the materials accepted by the Archives.

Records Retention

In 2024, the Archives and Historical Records Committee approved comprehensive records retention and destruction guidelines for monthly and quarterly meetings. This set of guidelines, based on current best practices, will ensure that important documents are retained and that confidential records are handled correctly. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for clarification, please contact the Outreach Archivist at [email protected].