Donating to the Museum Collection

In order to preserve the material heritage of Sandy Spring and its environs, the Museum collects artifacts, papers (letters, diaries, ledgers, etc.), and historic photographs that help tell the stories of the people who have called the area their home.

Donation Guidelines

We only accept items with a known connection to Sandy Spring and its environs. By accepting an item for our collection, the Museum becomes its steward in perpetuity and therefore sometimes we cannot acquire items we are unable to properly care for either now or possibly in the future such as large, heavy furniture or farm equipment.

Overall, considerations for acceptance into SSM’s permanent collection are:

  • Strength of connection to the people of Sandy Spring

  • Uniqueness of item compared with what is already in the collection

  • Uniqueness of item in general

  • Condition

  • Size

We are especially interested in collecting material that convey the stories of those previously underrepresented in the area’s historical narrative including:

  • Black, Indigenous, and people of color

  • Women

  • Non-Quaker faith communities

  • LGBTQ+

Legal Information for All Donations 

Donations to the collection are tax deductible however value appraisals are the sole responsibility of the donor. We will not accept donations with restrictions nor will we entertain offers of indefinite or long-term loans. Only donations where the donor possesses all rights and ownership for which they intend to fully transfer to the Museum will be considered.

Additional Information

Are you interested in donating artifacts, papers (letters, diaries, ledgers, etc.), and/or historic photographs that comply with the above guidelines? If yes, please contact Lydia Fraser, Archives and Collections Manager. 

Thank you for supporting the Museum!

Donation Questionnaire

Please fill out this questionnaire to the best of your knowledge; doing so will be helpful in determining next steps. If you have a few items, please fill out a form for each. If you have a collection of items, you may indicate this in a single form.

We will respond within a few days of receipt. Please note, the collections department is staffed entirely by part-timers; your patience is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for supporting Sandy Spring Museum!