DONATING AN ARTIFACT TO THE MUSEUM

           THANK YOU for inquiring about donating your treasures to the care of the Wabash County Historical Museum.  We wouldn’t be the facility we are without the generosity of people like you.

                The Museum has a Collections Committee that meets periodically to determine whether or not each item presented would fit into our collection. The committee’s decision depends on many things. For example, do we already have a similar piece? Can we afford to store it? Does the artifact have provenance (proof of authenticity and past ownership)?

                  Please note that an artifact that we take into our collection rarely has an immediate place in our exhibits. In fact, most of our collection, like virtually all museums, remains in storage. However, when an artifact is accessioned (accepted into our collection), we take charge of its care, and pledge to preserve it for future generations.

                   In the future, there may be an exhibit that needs your item to make it complete. Until that time, if your piece is accessioned, the item will be documented and kept in safe storage.

1. I call 260.563.9070 and speak to Brian Haupert to schedule a time to bring my artifact to the museum.

2. I fill out a form with my contact information and choose to either donate the artifact unconditionally or leave the artifact for consideration by the Collections Committee.

3. If I choose to donate the item unconditionally, I will receive a letter of acknowledgment in the mail.

4. If I choose to leave the artifact for consideration by the Collections Committee, I will be contacted after the next meeting regarding the status of my item. If my item is not accessioned, I will make arrangements to pick it up.

RETURN TO 'READ ALL ABOUT IT'