Our collections have been assembled largely through the generosity of many donors. You can continue this process by donating your folk or fine art, family papers, or other artifacts either directly or by bequest. Even seemingly trivial items or apparent "junk" can have surprising historical relevance!

We will be very happy to consider offers of archives and/or museum items, but be aware that our policy prohibits us from accepting unsolicited gifts. If you have items that you would be interested in donating, please contact us first! Just as some seemingly worthless items can have historical value, some valuable or seemingly important objects may be less important than you think, or may simply be outside of the UHEC's collecting scope. In the latter case, they may be a better fit at another institution.

In any case, please contact us with information about your items or collection, and we will be happy to advise.

UHEC acquisitions policy

A potential donation will be evaluated based on the answers to these questions:

  • Does the item or collection meet the collecting scope of the museum or the archives?
  • Does the item or collection enhance the UHEC's current holdings?
  • Are similar or duplicate items already in the UHEC's holdings?
  • Can the artifact fulfill a need in the permanent collection or be used for educational purposes?
  • Are there any special restrictions associated with the item or collection?
  • Can the UHEC provide adequate storage, protection, and access for the item or collection?
  • Can the donor provide adequate proof of ownership history (provenance)?

The Center will generally not accept materials that do not fit within its collecting scope or which significantly duplicate materials already in its holdings. In addition, the Center will usually not accept materials on which the donor has placed significant restrictions, such as the requirement for permanent or long-term exhibition, or that a collection only be displayed as a group. Loans of materials are not accepted except in special circumstances (e.g. for display in a specific exhibition). Exceptions may be granted in certain very limited and extraordinary circumstances.

Additional information about the collecting scope of the UHEC archives.