Donating Artifacts

Donation of an Object

Every museum tends to face the dilemma of a lack of collection storage space at some point in its organizational life. In order to mitigate this problem, all objects that are offered to the museum must pass a strict and competitive “interview” process. The body that reviews potential donations is the Collections Committee which typically meets on a monthly basis. The committee assesses the object’s “fit” into the educational mission of the History Center, with a heavy emphasis on the object’s physical condition and its York County provenance.

Thank you for your interest in donating!

How to Submit an Object as a Potential Donation

Step #1

Complete an Object Information Form
Describe the object’s provenance (history), including how it is relevant to York County
Include as many high quality images as possible
Mail, E-mail, or hand deliver form and images to the York County History Center
Please do NOT bring potential donations to the History Center

Step #2

Form and images are presented to the Collections Committee at their next meeting
Committee reviews and makes a decision regarding the potential object donation
Possible Collections Committee Decisions — Accept, Decline, or Need More Information/See In-Person

Step #3

Director of Collections will notify potential donor of the Collections Committee’s decision
If Declined — Director of Collections will suggest other possible organizations that would be a better fit for the object
If Accepted — Director of Collections will initiate the transfer of ownership process
If Need More Information — Director of Collections will advise the potential donor of the next steps

For more information regarding our artifact collection or to inquire about a possible donation please contact:

Bailey Lozanoff, Collections Manager
717.848.1587 x229