How to Donate

The Minnesota Historical Society maintains many collections, including archaeological artifacts, art, books, film, historical objects, manuscripts, maps, music, oral history, photographs, and video. Society staff members are responsible for building each of these collections; they work with potential donors to acquire items for them.

The cost of acquiring, processing, conserving, storing and providing access to collection items is large. All items from donors are reviewed by staff members before being accepted, which ensures that the items do not duplicate those already owned by the Society. And, while the Society collects many things, not all items are appropriate for its collections.

People wishing to donate items to the collections should fill out the Potential Acquisition form.