What do historical societies do at a fair?
Local historical societies bring displays that show how the county looked in the past. Common items include photographs, maps, tools, old premium books, school records and family stories. Volunteers often staff the booth and answer questions.
Some societies run their own small museum nearby and use the fair to attract visitors and new members. Others have no building and rely on borrowed space. Ask about their regular hours so you can visit again.
Some societies bring a short list of questions for visitors, such as who is in this photograph or where was this building. Visitors often know details that the volunteers do not. Your memory may help fill a gap, and the society may record your name as the source.
- Photographs and maps
- Old fair programs and premium books
- Family and school records
- Artifacts on loan from members
How can you share family records?
Many societies welcome photographs, letters and documents from local families. They may offer to scan an item and return it the same day. Ask what they do with the copies, who can see them and whether you can restrict use.
Do not hand over originals without a written receipt. Keep your own list of what you shared. If a record names living people, ask the society how they handle privacy.
How do you check the information on display?
Good exhibits tell you where information came from. Look for credit lines, dates and names of the donors. If a display makes a strong claim, such as the first fair in a county, ask for the source.
Local stories can be repeated until they feel like fact. A respectful question like where did you read that is a useful habit. Historians welcome it, and it leads to better records.
When you donate or loan material, ask for a deed of gift or a loan form. These simple documents state who owns the item, how it will be stored and what happens if it is damaged. A reputable society will have them, and they protect both sides.
- Ask for the source behind a claim
- Look for donor credits
- Compare more than one record
- Respect that memories can differ
How can you volunteer?
Most societies need help with sign in tables, cataloging, scanning, setup and talking with visitors. You do not need to be an expert. A good listener and a reliable schedule are valuable.
Ask what time commitment is expected, whether training is provided and how to sign up. Youth can often help with supervision from a parent or teacher.
Training is usually offered on the job. A short walk through the booth with an experienced volunteer is often enough. Ask what to say when a visitor shares a story you cannot verify, and how to write it down for later review.
What if your county has no society?
Some counties have none, or have one that is nearly inactive. In that case, the fair office, library or extension office may know who keeps records. Retired teachers, newspaper staff and church historians are often good places to start.
Starting a local group takes time. Begin with a small display at the fair, collect names of interested people and ask a nearby society for advice on organizing.
If you start a local group, keep the first steps small. Choose a name, gather three or four interested people, find a safe place to store records and write simple rules for accepting items. Ask a nearby society or your state historical society for sample forms.
How do societies work with the fair board?
The fair board usually provides space and sometimes a small budget. In return, the society offers content and volunteers. Their agreement can be informal or written down.
If you want to propose a new exhibit, contact the fair office, describe the idea in a short note and ask about deadlines and display rules.
Good agreements say who pays for supplies and who carries insurance. Ask both sides to write it down.
Where can you find historical sources online?
Many state historical societies and libraries offer digitized newspapers and photographs. Land-grant university libraries and extension offices also hold county records and fair publications.
Always credit the source when you quote or share a record. This guide is independent and does not represent any historical society.
Key takeaways
- Historical societies bring photographs, records and stories to the fair.
- Ask what happens to any record you share.
- Ask for the source behind big claims.
- Volunteers do not need to be experts.
- If your county has no society, start with the library or extension office.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.