The Friends of the Boston City Archives was established in the Spring of 1999 to help support the activities of the Archives of the City of Boston. Our mission is to:

• Create public support for the Archives.
• Heighten awareness of the role of the Archives in preserving the City's history.
• Assist the Archives in finding a proper facility for the preservation of the City's historic records and their access by the public.
• Support the activities of the Archives in acquiring, preserving and making available records of historic, legal and administrative significance.
• Assist the Archives in promoting awareness of Boston's municipal heritage and its educational activities.

Friends is seeking a recording secretary to take notes at our meetings. Interested candidates, please contact the President. Also, please remember to renew your annual dues. Forms can be found on this Web site or checks can be mailed directly to the treasurer. Thank you for your support.

The City Archives has successfully relocated to the former Keyspan building on Rivermoor Street in West Roxbury, which will also be used as the offsite book storage facility for the Boston Public Library. In the next year and a half the spacious new building will be renovated and equipped with the proper climate controls to meet recommended standards for preserving archives and books. This facility will enable the City Archives to better fulfill their mission. We thank you for your support and guidance in this transition. Stay tuned for upcoming events to commemorate this momentous occasion.

Friends has a new President and is seeking a publicity coordinator. If you have a passion for Boston history and some time to devote to further developing this organization, the officers would like to hear from you. Please contact us.

Our next business meeting is December 4 at the new Archives facility in West Roxbury.

What is the Archives?

Established in 1988, The Archives and Records Management Division of the Office of the City Clerk is the repository for all official public records kept to document both the history of municipal government in Boston and the legal rights of citizens.

The Archives and Records Management Division was created by Chapter 68 of the Acts of 1988. The task of the City Archives is to preserve permanently the documentary heritage of Boston municipal government since 1630, to provide day-to-day access to this heritage. The records preserved at the Archives are invaluable not only to local heritage, but also to the history of the nation.

The Friends is actively seeking new members. We have several levels of membership from which to choose. Click on the "Membership Form" link on the top left for an application.

Donations to the Friends are tax deductable. We can accept cash, checks or in-kind donations.

We are seeking a new secretary and looking for volunteers for a variety of projects such as publicity and fundraising. There are also volunteer opportunities at the Archives.