AMC Library and Archives contain 140 years of historical documents, books, and memorabilia.
The Library and Archives collect, preserve, and provide access to sources that document the history of the AMC and the Northeast outdoors. We encourage and promote the use of these materials for teaching, learning, research, and public service. Our Library & Archives consist of two main parts: a Library of published materials such as books and periodicals, and an Archive of unpublished, one-of-a-kind diaries and journals, films, logbooks, manuscripts, maps, memorabilia, organizational records, photographs, scrapbooks, and other rare documents.
Search our books, papers, and digital image collection.
Much of our collections are cataloged and searchable via our Online Library Catalog. Enter Appalachian Mountain Club under Library Name; no password is needed. A catalog of the entire book collection can be found there, as well as digital images of a portion of the photographic collections and finding aids for many of our special collections. However, not all of our collections are documented in this catalog, so researchers with specific needs should contact the Archivist.
Visit our Online Library CatalogThe Library
Our Library of more than 2,000 titles pertains to conservation, mountain travel, natural history, and outdoor recreation from the 19th through the 21st centuries. It provides a rich overview of outdoors-related literature and showcases materials collected by the organization from its earliest days. Additionally, the Library acts as an archive of books published by AMC. As a research library, materials do no circulate, but users may visit and have full access to the collections.
The Archives
The Archives consist of architectural plans, artifacts, artworks, corporate records, diaries and journals, ephemera, films, herbaria, manuscripts, maps, memorabilia, personal papers, photographs, pamphlets, scrapbooks, and summit registers. Logbooks that are no longer sound enough to reside in AMC’s historic White Mountain Huts can be found here, recording the thoughts and feelings of mountain travelers from decades past. The Archives are particularly rich in visual images, with well over 20,000 images covering the 1870’s to the present. The Archives also house our corporate records, made up of the annual reports, meeting minutes, and documentation produced by our many boards, chapters, committees, departments, offices, and programs.
AMC’s Mission
The Library & Archives are strongly linked to the AMC’s mission. They are a resource for AMC members and staff, as well as scholars, students, and the general public. They help build awareness of AMC through the use of the club’s images and information in a wide range of exhibitions, programs and publications.
Library & Archive Policies:
Using the AMC Library & Archives
The Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives welcome researchers to make use of our collections. Contact the Archivist at [email protected] or (603) 374-8515 with your history questions, to schedule an onsite visit to the Archives, or to discuss your research needs. Food and Lodging are available year-round at the AMC Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch for those visiting in person.
Donations:
Books and Periodicals
Due to space constraints, the Library is no longer able to accept book and periodical donations.
Documents, Memorabilia, and Photographs
Donations of documents, memorabilia and photographic works relating directly to the history of the Appalachian Mountain Club are appreciated. Contact the Archivist at [email protected] or (603) 374-8515 to discuss your potential donation.
Volunteering
There are many ways to volunteer in the AMC Library & Archives. Organizing files, data entry, research, general collections care, and preservation tasks are a few of the essential activities for which extra hands are appreciated! Volunteers are often needed to transcribe handwritten materials and audio recordings; tasks that can be done remotely. Contact the Archivist at [email protected] or (603) 374-8515 for details.
Publication and Personal Use of Images
The Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives offer two options for obtaining images. Copy Prints may be obtained for your personal use by contacting the Archivist. Licensing Orders can be submitted to allow you to use images from our collections for purposes such as publications, documentaries, or exhibitions. There are fees for these services. Contact the Archivist for details.
*If you are looking to reproduce copyrighted material that appears in an AMC Books publication (for personal or professional use), please contact our Books staff via email at [email protected] or by mail at AMC Books Editor, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129.
Questions and appointment requests can be sent to [email protected], or you can reach the Archivist at (603) 374-8515.