The TCNJ Archives and Special Collections (Archives) accepts new material donations on a limited basis. Prior to sending unsolicited donations, we encourage donors to contact the Archivist directly. Donors may be alumni, faculty, staff, and/or their families or executors, as well as community members, general collectors, and other organizations. All donors will be required to complete and sign a Deed of Gift.
Donations of historical materials to a public research facility may be tax-deductible. However, the Archives cannot appraise donations for tax purposes. For the protection of the donor, it is recommended that such appraisals be done by an independent third party and before title to the material is conveyed to the Archives.
The Archives reserves the right to refuse materials that are extensively damaged, show evidence of mold or the presence of other pests, or cannot be adequately preserved by our facility. The acceptance of any gift is at the discretion of the Archivist.
The Archives will only collect materials that pertain to TCNJ’s history in the following categories:
- Artifacts and realia: memorabilia with the college’s logo, objects clearly related to the school or having belonged to the school
- Artwork: paintings, sketches, and prints created by alumni, students, or faculty/staff; and materials depicting the college
- Audio and video: recorded histories of alumni, students, or faculty/staff; recorded events taking place on campus, including performances and talks
- Books: reference and rare volumes that are directly related to courses taught at TCNJ or produced by alumni, students, faculty/staff
- Correspondence: letters and postcards created by alumni, students, or faculty/staff
- Diaries and journals: personal writings created by alumni, students, or faculty/staff
- Documents and manuscripts: personal papers created by alumni, students, or faculty/staff; organizational records created by TCNJ departments and alumni, students, or faculty/staff organizations
- Ephemera: programs, unused tickets, invitations, posters, election buttons, and other items directly related to TCNJ events
- Maps: materials created by or for TCNJ showing the campus, individual buildings, and the nearby area
- Published materials: TCNJ printed items such as newspapers, newsletters, and bulletins (course catalogs)
- Photographs and films: slides, prints, negatives, postcards, moving picture films, and digital files directly related to TCNJ events, organizations, alumni, students, or faculty/staff
- Scrapbooks: personal and organizational scrapbooks filled with clippings, photographs, and other items directly related to TCNJ events, organizations, alumni, students, or faculty/staff
- Textiles: TCNJ-related items such as banners, pennants, clothing, hats, and flags
- Yearbooks
The Archives and Special Collections will consider material not listed above so long as it directly supports our Mission. For more information, contact the Deb Schiff, Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at schiffd@tcnj.edu.