Archival Donations
The JPL Archives and Special Collections is honoured to steward materials donated by community members and institutions since 1914.
We are Actively Collecting
The JPL Archives is mandated for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of original documents, photographs, and recordings detailing the social, economic, and cultural history of Montreal’s diverse Jewish community.
Please note that we are actively seeking records from the Sephardic, Mizrahi, and Beta Israel Jewish communities to fill gaps in the current collection.
We extend a sincere thank-you for all donation inquiries.
What We Collect
Our mandate is to collect archival material which is significant to the history of Montreal Jewry.
Local institutions and organizations, as well as families and individuals, can donate original and unique records such as :
1. Family papers (correspondences, journals or diaries, vital records, biographical and genealogical information)
2. Photographs, albums, and already digitized audiovisual material
3. Business, organizational, or institutional records (minutes, by-laws, etc.)
4. Posters, playbills, programmes, and ephemera from the community
Donating personal and corporate records to the Archives ensures their preservation and access to researchers and future generations. Our collection is kept secure in a climate-controlled environment. Your records will be described on our website for public access around the world.
What We Do Not Collect
1. Photocopied materials
2. Published materials (due to copyright legislation)
3. Artworks
4. Plaques
5. Vinyl records
Take the First Steps
Take the first step by filling out the JPL Archives intake form. Every month we review it and respond.
Fill out the form
No hard feelings if you wish to contact another collecting organization. You can browse Jewish archival and heritage organizations here :
Discover collecting organizations