Donating to the Museum Collection
In order to preserve the material heritage of Sandy Spring and its environs, the Museum collects artifacts, papers (letters, diaries, ledgers, etc.), and historic photographs that help tell the stories of the people who have called the area their home.
Donation Guidelines
We only accept items with a known connection to Sandy Spring and its environs. By accepting an item for our collection, the Museum becomes its steward in perpetuity and therefore sometimes we cannot acquire items we are unable to properly care for either now or possibly in the future such as large, heavy furniture or farm equipment.
Overall, considerations for acceptance into SSM’s permanent collection are:
Strength of connection to the people of Sandy Spring
Uniqueness of item compared with what is already in the collection
Uniqueness of item in general
Condition
Size
We are especially interested in collecting material that convey the stories of those previously underrepresented in the area’s historical narrative including:
Black, Indigenous, and people of color
Women
Non-Quaker faith communities
LGBTQ+
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 below. 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.
