ARTIFACT DONATION

Interested in Donating an Artifact?

The Goshen Historical Society welcomes artifact donations that help tell the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped Goshen and the surrounding community. Our collection reflects everyday life, significant moments, and local experiences across a wide range of time periods, all viewed through a Goshen-centered lens.

Artifacts accepted into the collection—whether displayed or stored—are cared for according to professional preservation standards. Items not currently on exhibit are housed in acid-free boxes and archival files to ensure long-term protection and accessibility for future generations.

To responsibly manage and preserve the collection, the museum follows established criteria when considering artifact donations:

• The item must be relevant to the history and culture of Goshen and surrounding rural areas.

• The item must be accompanied by documented provenance (information about its history and origin).

• The museum must be able to properly store and preserve the item, and the cost of care must not outweigh its historical value.

• Items must be free of restrictions, such as indefinite loans or limitations on use or future disposition.

If you are considering donating an artifact, please complete the form below with a description of the item. You may also bring potential donations to the museum during open hours or by appointment. The Accession Committee will review each submission to determine whether the item is a good fit for the collection. Please allow a couple of weeks for processing.

We strongly encourage donors to include any stories, background, or personal connections related to the item—these details help us interpret artifacts and create meaningful exhibits.

If you have photographs, letters, or documents that you are not ready to part with, consider making a digital donation. The museum can create high-resolution scans and return the original materials to you.

Please note that transportation of donated artifacts to the museum is the responsibility of the donor. The museum is not able to pick up donations.

If you are interested in donating an artifact to the Goshen Historical Society, please complete the form below.