Vision Statement for the Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives

Vision Statement

The Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese American Archives serves as a central repository for materials documenting the history of the Portuguese in the United States.  As an intellectual center for the study and exchange of information pertaining to the history of all Portuguese-Americans, the Archives will document the history and culture of the Portuguese in the USA; generate and support the study of the experience, history and culture of Portuguese communities; and contribute to the preservation, understanding and teaching of Portuguese ethnic culture.

Collecting policy

The Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese American Archives includes primary resource material reflecting the culture and history of the Portuguese in the United States, including but not limited to, the following categories and types, keeping in mind that exceptions may be made to these at the discretion of the staff of the Archives and Special Collections: 

Family papers and papers of prominent individuals within the Portuguese communities:   Letters, diaries, professional papers, speeches/lectures, subject files, collections of news clippings, minutes/reports, photographs, films, videos, audiotapes, memoirs and reminiscences, scrapbooks, photo albums, genealogical information, business records, and legal documents (e.g., immigration and naturalization records).

Records of cultural, religious and civic organizations (e.g., churches, political organizations, community groups, voluntary associations, special event organizations, professional associations, and economic interest groups): Architectural records, articles of incorporation, charters, photographs, pamphlets, correspondence, minutes of meetings, audio recordings, news clippings, handbooks, publications, reports, scrapbooks, speeches, newsletters, educational materials, directories, membership lists, tickets and programs from special events.

Business records (e.g., retail, food service, publishing, music):  Selected business records, ledger books, correspondence, photographs, architectural records, brochures, pamphlets, financial statements, and advertising.

Oral histories: The archives will accept oral history interviews relating to the Portuguese community as long as legal releases have been secured or a reasonable attempt can be made to secure them.  The Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives is dedicated to supporting ongoing oral history projects if the final results will be donated to the archives for permanent retention.

Artificial collection: Individual items such as artifacts, awards, medals, photographs, oral histories and posters that document a particular event.

Rare books, posters, maps and any other items that document the history of Portuguese immigration to the United States, regardless of whether they pertain specifically to Southeastern Massachusetts.

Newspapers and serials from the Portuguese press in the United States, including original newspapers, microfilmed versions, born-digital versions, and versions which have been digitized.

Genealogical resources that do not duplicate similar resources in the local area. 

3-D objects: will only be accepted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the staff of the Archives and Special Collections.

(Approved 3/15/2016 LAC)