FAQs
Have questions? Find answers here!
- Admission?
We suggest a $3/person donation.
- Appraisals?
Our collections policies prohibit the Museum staff from appraising objects. However, the staff may be able to assist with identifying or dating an object. Appointments are appreciated.
- Artifact Donations?
The museum collects in accordance with its mission statement and within the limitations of our ability to provide appropriate long-term professional care for the objects. For this reason, offered donations are carefully considered before acceptance. Collections objects must have been made or used in the Silver City area, be in good condition, and have been legally acquired; objects that have documentation or that fill a gap in our collections are preferred. Contact Jackie Becker or Susan Berry
- Book: Built to Last?
An Architectural History of Silver City, New Mexico, by Susan Berry and Sharman Apt Russell, is available in a revised second edition. The book, which New Mexico Architecture called "the finest monograph on the architecture of a single New Mexican community yet to appear," traces the impact of Silver City's early personalities and events on the built environment. Its revised second edition has a new introduction and a foreword by historian Marc Simmons, an updated appendix listing hundreds of individual local buildings (including recently changed addresses), and a picture glossary of architectural terms. Softbound, 132 pages. Available through the Museum Store for $19.95. Contact Charmeine Wait
- Collections?
By appointment, researchers and others may view and study objects from the Museum's collections that are in storage or are encased in exhibits. Requests should be made well in advance of the planned visit. Contact Jackie Becker
- Credit Cards?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are all accepted in the Museum Store, and can also be used for Museum Society memberships, photo orders, and donations.
- Geneology?
The Museum's local history records include biographical files on former area residents. We welcome additions from family researchers. Local photographs are always sought to build the Museum photoarchive; digital copies can be made in our Graphics Lab and original photos returned to their owners. Contact Susan Berry or Tom Hester
- Guides?
Step-on guides for bus tours of Silver City historic neighborhoods can be arranged, but require plenty of advance notice. Contact Barbara Nance or Charmeine Wait
- Membership?
The Silver City Museum Society is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation founded in 1985 for the support of the Museum and its programs, operated by a twelve-member board of directors, with two part-time employees (Volunteer Services Manager and Museum Store Manager). Society membership benefits include a 10% discount in the Museum Store, our quarterly newsletter, and invitations to special events throughout the year including a 20%-off "members only" holiday season sale in the Museum Store.
- Memorial Gifts?
Donations "in memory of" or "in honor of" an individual or family may be made to the Silver City Museum Society or to the Foundation's endowment fund. Contact Charmeine Wait or Barbara Nance
- Museum Society Foundation?
The Silver City Museum Society Foundation was organized under the charter of the Silver City Museum Society in 1994 specifically to administer an endowment fund for the long-term support of the Museum's programs. The Foundation has its own five-member board. Contact Susan Berry
- Parking?
Free parking is available on Broadway in front on the Museum; on Pinos Altos Street along the west side of the Museum; and in the parking lot at Yankie and Arizona Streets, adjoining the Museum on the east. Handicapped parking is designated in all of these areas.
- Photo archive?
The Museum has an extensive photo archive, ranging from the 1870s-1940s, showing views from the Silver City area. These are now being cataloged into a computer indexing system. The 800-image John Harlan Collection is available for viewing in the local history research library; albums with copy prints of another 2,000+ images from the photoarchive are gradually being added. Original images from the entire 15,000-image collection may be viewed by appointment. Contact Jackie Becker
- Photocopies?
Photo copies of materials in our library are available to the public at 25 cents per page
- Photo orders?
Digital copy prints from most images in the Museum's photo archive are available through our digital lab, starting from $8.00 for a 5x7 print. A photo use contract, which must be signed at the time the order is placed, grants one-time use for specifically requested publication or other purposes; other restrictions and credit line requirements apply. Photo order fees and any applicable shipping fees are payable in advance; allow 60 days for delivery. Contact Jackie Becker
- Photography?
Visitors are permitted to take non-flash photographs in the Museum; exceptions will be clearly marked.
- Research assistance?
The Museum staff is available to assist researchers during regular hours Tuesday through Friday. Advance appointments are strongly encouraged, to allow us to give you our best service. The materials in the local history research library are available to the public during regular hours throughout the week, and on a strictly self-serve basis during regular weekend hours. The library is equipped with a microfilm reader-printer, and has Silver City newspapers on microfilm for the years 1873-1932. Copies made off the microfilm are available for 25 cents per page. Contact Tom Hester or Susan Berry.
- Restrooms?
Our restrooms are handicapped-accessible.
- Tours?
Silver City Walking Tour Pocket guides to three Silver City historic neighborhoods, La Capilla, Gospel Hill, and the Historic Business District, can be purchased for 50 cents each in the Museum Store. Each self-guided tour starts and ends at the Museum. Guided group walking tours can be arranged with substantial advance notice. Contact Charmeine Wait or Barbara Nance
- Volunteers?
A wide range of volunteer opportunities are available at the Museum, with training provided. Volunteers staff the front desk and Museum Store, lead Museum tours and walking tours, present educational programs, perform data entry, assist with photo cataloging, do gardening and maintenance projects, and assist with special events. Contact Barbara Nance