Historical Collections

The Nutting Room of the Ayer Library houses a variety of historical documents, objects, and collections in the stacks of the building’s historic wing.

• Ayer Library’s archives collect photographs, maps, documents, and objects relevant to the history of Ayer and Devens, including an extensive genealogy collection, vital records, yearbooks, Town reports, military photographs, information on the Grand Army of the Republic, and documentation regarding the Former Fort Devens Environmental Cleanup project.
• As the official repository for the various manifestations of the Public Spirit newspaper, we provide access to every issue since 1869 through our online Ayer Community Archive.
• Our military collection includes books that are otherwise unavailable at any other library in CW MARS. Titles can be checked out at the discretion of the staff, and they may also be viewed within the library.

All items may be viewed by appointment and at the discretion of the staff. For more information please refer to our History Room Policy.