Collections Donation Guidelines
Thank you for considering Sandy Spring Museum as a permanent home for your treasured items. We’re grateful that you thought of us.
Because our collection is focused on preserving the history of Sandy Spring and the surrounding area, we accept only objects with a known connection to this community. When the Museum accepts an item into its collection, we take on the responsibility of caring for it for generations to come. With that in mind, there may be times when we are unable to accept an item that we cannot properly preserve, store, or care for, either now or in the future. This may include large or heavy furniture, farm equipment, and similar objects.
When considering an item for the Museum’s permanent collection, we look at several factors, including:
- The strength of its connection to the people and history of Sandy Spring
- How it compares with objects already represented in the collection
- Its uniqueness or significance
- Its condition
- Its size and long-term care needs
We are especially interested in collecting materials that help us tell a fuller and more inclusive story of Sandy Spring. This includes objects, documents, photographs, and other materials that illuminate the experiences of people and communities historically underrepresented in the area’s historical narrative, including:
- Black, Indigenous, and other people of color
- Women
- Non-Quaker faith communities
- LGBTQ+ people and communities
If you have something you believe may be a good fit for our collection, please complete the form to the right to begin the process. We look forward to learning more about your item and its story.
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
If you are interested in donating artifacts, papers (letters, diaries, ledgers, etc.), and/or historic photographs that comply with the above guidelines, please complete the form. If you have a few items, please fill out a form for each. If you have a collection of associated items, you may indicate this in a single form. We will respond within a few days of receipt.