FAQs
Booth Library
When can I do research at the Booth Library?
The Booth Library is open for research Monday through Friday, 1pm to 5pm, or by special appointment. Check out our on-site research policy here.
Does the Booth Library offer a distance research service?
Yes. The Booth Library Staff are happy to help researchers wherever they may be. To request research assistance please contact the Archivist via phone at (607) 734-4167 ex 207 or by e-mail at archivist@chemungvalleymuseum.org. Please read our distance research policy here for more details.
How can I donate material to the Booth Library?
Our collections grow in quantity and quality thanks to the many donations we receive each year. Anyone interested in donating papers should contact the Archivist for more information at (607) 734-4167, ext. 207 or via e-mail at archivist@chemungvalleymuseum.org. We will also accept donations delivered in person.
Does the Booth Library have cemetery records?
Yes. The Booth library keeps records of cemetery headstone readings of over 20 Chemung County cemeteries done by Joseph and Doris Boyd in the 1970s and 1980s. We also have copies of Woodlawn Cemetery’s index of burial dates, and we have copies of some of the local church cemetery records.
How can I find out if the Booth Library has what I am looking for?
By using our catalogs. The Booth Library’s archival collection is searchable via our Manuscript Index while our book collections are cataloged via STARCat.
Does the Booth Library have birth, death or marriage records?
No. The Booth Library does not have any official birth death or marriage records. There were no official records before 1880 and the records since then are held by the State of New York. The Steele Memorial Library has an index of these records. For more information click here.
Does the Booth Library have census records?
No. The Booth Library does not have copies of the Federal or State Censuses. They are available at the local public library.
General
How can I donate items or papers to the Historical Society?
Our collections grow in quantity and quality thanks to the many donations we receive each year. Those interested in donating objects should contact the Curator at (607) 734-4167 ex 204 or via e-mail at curator@chemungvalleymuseum.org. People interested in donating papers should contact the Archivist for more information at (607) 734-4167, ext. 207 or via e-mail at archivist@chemungvalleymuseum.org. We will also accept donations delivered in person.
Do you do appraisals?
No. Our staff does not have the training to do appraisals. We recommend contacting Mapes Auctioneers and Appraisers of Vestal via their website or by phone at (607) 754-9193.
How can I volunteer at the museum?
There are volunteer opportunities within our curatorial, archival and educational departments. Contact our Education Coordinator at educator@chemungvalleymuseum.org to set up an interview to get started.