I found came across a collection of historical 'newsletters' that were created from 1950-1981 in my local libraries reference section. I began scanning the pages and converting them to text for my historical website on the same topic. My intention is to reproduce the text and lay it out in a modern format including found images as well. I have tried with no success to contact the authors (so far all dead or missing) as well as the publisher (PO Box). This is remarkable information that I feel should be available.
What is the moral way to release this as well as legal?
Personally, I wouldn't want to take credit for any of the work and would reprint as it was originally published, including all authors names. My website is 100% no profit, no products or advertising. Thoughts?
edit - I asked the librarians and the on site historian who just said to track down the publisher and authors.
Librarians gave you the right advice. This is not fair use by any stretch of the doctrine in America, you'll need copyright permission to put these online OR, and this is a big or, have a good claim this is an "orphan work." However, if someone comes after you the onus (and the legal fees) will be on you to prove it is an orphaned work. So if that's a risk you're comfortable taking, that's how it stands.