The History Center of Traverse City is planning to transfer ownership of its archives to the Traverse Area District Library. In a letter to members Wednesday, History Center Board Chair Stephen Siciliano wrote that the board had "concluded that we do not have the resources to care for the center archives at the level of quality that we have provided since the establishment of the center," citing the organization's "fragile financial situation." Siciliano said the TADL board had voted to approve accepting the historical archives pending the formulation of a legal agreement.

"The transfer of the archives would mean that the library would accept ownership of the archives and accept the responsibility for its professional care and preservation," Siciliano wrote. "The library would welcome the continued involvement of the History Center through volunteer support."

Siciliano said the move would enable the History Center "to become a stronger organization and more effectively meet its mission to protect, preserve and present the history of the region. We will continue to work with TADL on preserving the archives, and we will have greater ability to present the history of the area through programs and publications."

The History Center board will discuss the transfer in further detail at its December 7 board meeting at 6:30pm at the Carnegie Building, which is open to members.