1903-2005
Offsite Storage Inventory
Restrictions on Access
The Bay State Historical League Records are stored offsite and must be requested at least two business days in advance via Portal1791. Researchers needing more than six items from offsite storage should provide additional advance notice. If you have questions about requesting materials from offsite storage, please contact the reference desk at 617-646-0532 or reference@masshist.org.
Abstract
This collection consists of the records of the Bay State Historical League, founded in 1903 by John H. Ayer to form a society of local historical organizations in Massachusetts. The records include meeting minutes, account books, subject files, membership registers, bulletins, calendars, newsletters, photographs, and other administrative records kept between 1903-2005.
Processing Information
This collection is partially processed.
Acquisition Information
The Bay State Historical League records were donated in 2005.
Restrictions on Access
The Bay State Historical League Records are stored offsite and must be requested at least two business days in advance via Portal1791. Researchers needing more than six items from offsite storage should provide additional advance notice. If you have questions about requesting materials from offsite storage, please contact the reference desk at 617-646-0532 or reference@masshist.org.
Historical Sketch
The Bay State Historical League was founded in 1903 at the instigation of John F. Ayer, president of the Somerville Historical Society, who wished to form a society composed of local historical organizations committed to sharing information and stimulating interest in historical matters. Originally limited to Middlesex and Essex counties, the League eventually expanded to include other Massachusetts counties, as well. The Bay State Historical League disbanded in early 2005.
Summary Description of the Collection
Volumes
Records of establishment, 1903
Executive Committee records, 1903-1921
Minutes, 1915-1921
Minutes, 1958-1970
Meeting records, 1936-1942
Meeting records, 1943-1954
Meeting records, 1955-1971
Meeting registration book, 1952-1965
Accounts, 1928-1961
Accounts, 1961-1962
Loose records
Chronological files, 1903-1959
Financial records, 1964-1983
Workshops, 1970s
Meeting minutes, 1970s-1983
Membership registers, 1975-1981
Financial records, FY 1989-FY 1984
Membership, 1970-1972
Minutes, 1982-1990
Annual reports and financial statements
BSHL Bulletin (misc. dates)
History of publication of Bulletin
Calendar, 1978-1981
Newsletter, 1989-1995
MCAH, 1970s
Meetings, 1978-1980
Education Committee, 1981-1986
BSHL & Bicentennial Commission, 1970-1975
Mass. Historical Commission, 1970
Board meeting minutes, FY 1986–FY 2004
Records, 1960-1971
Pre-1989 members and mailing lists
Ledger directory, 1978
Membership history, 2003
Board binder, 2002
Strategic planning, 1997
Member analysis, 1999
Unidentified binder, 1997
Foundation research, 2002
Board member orientation, 2002-2003
"A. Clickstein" binder
Board activities
Ayer Awards
Fundraising
Auctions
"Going Public," 1990s-2000s
Board handbooks
Strategic plans, 2000s
BSHL Bulletin, 1933-1984
Programs, workshops, seminars, 1990s
Programs, 1990s-2000s
Member lists, 1993-2005
Workshops, 1990s
Exhibits
Annual appeals, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998
Dues renewals, 1992-1994
Member files
Membership surveys, 1989, 1995
Programs, 2003
Programs, 2002-2004
Publications, 1930-2004
Misc. publications, 1906-1953
Meetings and programs
Awards presented to BSHL
Organizational member maps (laminated), 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002
Bulletin photographs
Misc. photographs/publicity
Misc. photographs
Kingsbury, Mass. slide show
Addtions to the Bay State Historical League from board member Sandra Krein, 2001-2003
Preferred Citation
Bay State Historical League records, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.