Sending material to the YMCA Archives
If you have YMCA of the USA records to transfer, or the papers of a national-level YMCA leader to donate, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please note that the Kautz Family YMCA Archives collects primarily records related to the national level of the organization.
For records of local YMCAs, please see the suggestions on our First Steps page. We also have extensive resources for local Ys available through the kit created for the Y History Project
Contact the archives
IMPORTANT: Please contact us to let us know you are planning to send material.
Select material to send
Please see the guidelines on identifying material for a list of the basic types of material that the Archives collects. If in doubt, be sure to contact us.
Pack and ship
- Review our list of organizing "do's" and "don't's".
- For electronic or digital files:
- Review the guide for donors of electronic records
- If possible, ensure folder and file names are somewhat descriptive
- Complete and submit an electronic records transfer form
- If files will be sent on removable media (flash drive, external hard drive, disks, etc.), pack securely in a padded envelope or a box.
- For non-digital files:
- Keep any labeling information that identifies the material, such as folders, with the material.
- Use sturdy boxes, and do not overstuff. Reinforce with packing tape if necessary. The metal hooks on hanging file folders can poke through or tear boxes.
- Avoid using boxes larger than a standard records storage carton.
- Complete and enclose copy of the records transfer form in each box
- Ship boxed material to: Kautz Family YMCA Archives 318 Andersen Library 222 21st Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55455
- For online transfer options (for electronic/digital files), contact the Archives
If you have any questions these procedures, identifying appropriate material to transfer to the archives, or other issues, please contact the Archives staff at 612.625.3445 or e-mail ymcaarch@umn.edu