Services Policy
Last Updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Pennsylvania Postal History Society (PaPHS) provides historical research, preservation, and educational services to advance the study of postal history. This policy outlines service eligibility, usage guidelines, estate donation procedures, confidentiality protections, and liability considerations for individuals and organizations engaging with PaPHS.
Scope of Services
PaPHS offers:
- Historical Research Assistance – Access to postal records, archives, and historical documentation.
- Educational Outreach – Programs, publications, and guided learning resources.
- Artifact Preservation Guidance – Recommendations for maintaining postal artifacts and historical collections.
- Estate Guidance & Donations – Support for individuals or families looking to donate postal-related historical materials from estates.
Audience & Eligibility
PaPHS services are available to:
- Members, researchers, collectors, and institutions with an interest in postal history.
- Individuals or families seeking guidance on estate donation and preservation of postal artifacts.
- Appraisal Services – PaPHS does not offer appraisal services for postal history items. We encourage individuals seeking valuations to consult with certified philatelic appraisers or dealers.
- Organizations hosting historical exhibitions or educational initiatives related to postal history.
Service Request Process
To request PaPHS services, individuals must:
- Submit inquiries via email or official request form for research, artifact donation, or educational assistance.
- Provide detailed descriptions of their request, including materials involved or specific research areas.
- Acknowledge that service availability depends on organizational resources and expertise.
PaPHS will review and respond to requests based on priority and available resources.
Membership Benefits Clause
Certain PaPHS services may be exclusively available to members, including:
- Priority research assistance and extended archival access.
- Exclusive educational content, publications, and workshops.
- Access to member-only events or artifact preservation consultations.
Non-members are welcome to submit inquiries, but service availability may be prioritized for members.
Estate Donation & Preservation Guidelines
- PaPHS accepts historical postal artifacts, documents, and collections from estates at its discretion.
- All estate donations become the property of PaPHS, to be used for archival, educational, or display purposes.
- PaPHS does not provide financial valuation, legal advice, or estate planning services.
- Donors acknowledge that PaPHS retains full discretion over the use, storage, and preservation of estate-contributed materials.
Financial & Legal Disclaimer
PaPHS is a historical nonprofit organization and does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice.
- No Financial Services – PaPHS is not a financial institution, brokerage, or estate planning service.
- No Legal Representation – PaPHS does not offer legal consultation or guidance on wills, trusts, or tax deductions related to donated materials.
- Independent Decision-Making – Individuals engaging with PaPHS services should consult a financial or legal professional for any estate-related matters.
The role of the PaPHS is strictly educational and historical, focusing on postal artifact preservation, nonprofit outreach, and research assistance.
Confidentiality & Privacy Clause
PaPHS is committed to protecting sensitive donor and research information by:
- Ensuring confidentiality in private estate inquiries and artifact donation discussions.
- Limiting public disclosure of donor or research details unless explicit consent is provided.
- Storing contributed materials in a secure, professionally managed archival environment.
PaPHS may share general historical findings for research purposes but will not disclose individual donor details without prior approval.
Termination or Modification of Services
PaPHS retains the right to:
- Adjust, suspend, or discontinue services at its discretion based on organizational needs.
- Decline service requests that fall outside the historical and nonprofit mission of the PaPHS.
- Modify service availability due to funding, staffing, or archival capacity limitations.
Compliance & Policy Updates
PaPHS periodically reviews and updates this policy to align with best practices in historical preservation and nonprofit operations.
Conclusion
PaPHS services aim to foster postal history education, preservation, and research, while ensuring transparency and ethical service delivery.
Contact Information
For service inquiries, research requests, or estate donation guidance, contact PaPHS at:
Pennsylvania Postal History Society (PaPHS)
paphs.org
paphs1974@gmail.com