Books, manuscripts, government records, maps, sound recordings, oral histories, films, and photographs can be viewed at the library. Are items that are not on exhibit accessible to the public? Items in MNHS’s collections that are not on exhibit are kept in secure, climate-controlled holding areas for optimal preservation. We have limited gallery space and long-term display can have negative effects on an object's condition. Following standard museum practice, only a small percentage of MNHS’s permanent collections are on exhibit at any one time. Those looking for appraisal services may wish to consult their local yellow pages or contact one of the following organizations for a referral:Ĭollections items are exhibited at various MNHS sites. >Because of its standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as an interested party, MNHS cannot appraise or assign a monetary value to items. On these occasions, in keeping with ethical practices we cannot suggest or set the purchase price, but can only react to prices set by the seller. Does MNHS ever buy things for the collections? If you need help searching, please contact the library staff via email or phone (65). For photographs and artifacts, search using the Collections Online system. To find books, print materials, and manuscripts, check the library catalog. You may wish to search the the collections before submitting a potential donation form. In general, we are not interested in adding items that duplicate those already in the MNHS collections. How can I tell if MNHS already owns an item?Īs we have limited collections space and resources, our main interest is in building MNHS collections where gaps exist or in areas of particular interest. Please note: According to Minnesota Museum Property Act ( MN State Statute 345.70-74), MNHS has the right to dispose of any unsolicited materials delivered to any of its sites. A staff member or curator who specializes in the appropriate collecting area will follow up with you within the next 4 to 6 weeks. If you’d like to donate something, the first step is to fill out the potential donation form. Unfortunately, we do not have staff available to handle unsolicited donations. Please do not send or bring items to MNHS sites or museums. Can I send or bring my item to MNHS immediately? The more information you provide about your item(s), the more quickly and easily we’ll be able to make a decision about whether or not to add it to our collections. The best way to do this is by filling out the potential donation form online. In most cases, we do not collect materials without a clear or strong connection to Minnesota.įirst, let us know what it is you’d like to donate. Watch the Donation Decisions: An Inside Look video at the bottom of the page to learn more about the decision-making process. Potential additions to the collections go through a rigorous review process and are also subject to a vote by MNHS’s Acquisitions Committee. How is the decision made to take or decline an item?Įach item is different, but factors we consider include the item’s historical or cultural significance for Minnesota, uniqueness, physical condition, and the item’s ownership and use history. There are curators and specialists responsible for each of these collecting areas. We collect a wide variety of materials, including: Not all items are accepted, because not everything is appropriate for our collections, and because it is expensive to care for and provide access to collection items. New items are acquired in a number of ways, including selected donations from the public.īefore an item is acquired for our collections, it undergoes a rigorous review process. The Minnesota Historical Society maintains many collections. MNHS is actively collecting in the areas of manuscripts photography and moving images archeology and government records.įrequently asked questions What does MNHS collect? Please consider waiting to donate your materials and note that we are not able to respond directly to all inquiries in the areas noted: 3D, fine art, maps, rare books, and other published materials. Updated August 2022ĭue to curatorial vacancies across MNHS collecting areas, we are temporarily unable to accept donations of 3D objects, Native American collections, fine art, maps, rare books, and other published materials. If you are interested in donating items, please review these frequently asked questions and fill out the potential donation form.
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