In order to fulfill its mission of education, research and remembrance, the Holocaust Center of Northern California Archives accepts additions to its collections and holdings -- especially personal papers and records such as correspondence, diaries, photographs, scrapbooks, and artifacts -- that document the events of the Holocaust.

Why donate?

It is crucial to collect and maintain primary source material relating to the Holocaust. In addition to their historical and intrinsic values, primary source material confirms and illustrates the events of the Holocaust and is a valuable weapon in the battle against Holocaust denial and revisionism.

What kind of material does the HCNC Archives collect?

The HCNC Archives collects rare and scarce books, Yizkor books, personal papers (correspondence, diaries, scrapbooks, etc.), government records, pamphlets, broadsheets, periodicals, journals, newsletters, photographs, artifacts (clothing, banners, medals, personal effects) and Holocaust-era ephemera.

The Archives does not collect photocopies, clippings, theses, term papers, or family genealogies that are not part of a collection.

What happens to the collections once they are donated?

Ownership of the records is transferred when the donor signs a deed of gift. The papers then become the property of the Holocaust Center. (Unless copyright is specifically transferred to HCNC, copyright continues to belong to the creator of the collection.) Donations are housed in archival quality enclosures and boxes in a climate-controlled area. They are inventoried, described in a finding aid, and information about them is entered into HCNC’s archives database and library catalog. Should a donor wish to see the donated material or obtain copies of selected items, they can do so easily by contacting HCNC’s archivist.

How are the collections cared for?

Our collections are managed by a professional archivist whose first priority is to ensure that the materials are preserved and made accessible for Holocaust education and research. Donated materials are arranged, described, and catalogued to facilitate access to students and researchers. Selected items from the Archives are incorporated into HCNC’s educational programs, used in exhibits to further provide access and education to visitors to the Center, and can be viewed on HCNC’s website at www.hcnc.org/archives/index.html.

For more information, contact: