Collections Donations

OBJECT DONATIONS

CCHC collects artifacts, manuscripts and photographs that tell Chester County stories. 

How to Donate to the Collections

Due to staffing and space limitations, we are unable to accept all of the objects, manuscripts, and images that may be offered.

Below is a donation questionnaire that may be filled out. Inquiries about donations are especially helpful in advance of visiting CCHC. 

CCHC Collecting Scope

When evaluating donation offers, CCHC considers artifacts, manuscripts, and photographs that have a strong potential for meaningful future use in exhibitions, programs, and research. Possible acquisitions include items that fill gaps in existing holdings and present compelling and significant stories about diverse people, places and events in Chester County. Supporting materials that help to provide context for any item are important when staff evaluate potential donations.

Items Not Collected

There are exceptions but as a general rule, CCHC does not collect items that are:

  • Too large for storage or display within the museum space
  • In poor condition
  • Hazardous materials
  • Duplicates of originals
  • Copyright restricted
  • Unsolicited donations through the mail
  • Newspapers
  • Family Bibles (will accept genealogical information within them)
  • Commemorative plates and plaques

Thank you for your interest in donating documents, images, or artifacts to the Chester County History Center. If you believe your materials would complement our collection, please tell us about them. Describe your item(s) by including information about size, condition, and historical significance. Please do not send the original materials you wish to donate to CCHC at this time.

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Name*
Residence*
Ownership*
Availability*
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