Museum Research and Donations


Research

For information about an object in the MdHS collection, please email: museum_dept@mdhs.org or write:

Museum Division
Maryland Historical Society
201 W. Monument Street
Baltimore, MD 21201


Donations

The MdHS Collections Management Policy below provides guidance to donors. Please contact the deputy director for collections at museum_dept@mdhs.org with any donation inquiries.


Collections Management Policy: The MdHS seeks to strengthen its collections with the addition of objects that are consistent with the goals set forth in the organization’s mission statement and strategic plan.

Additions to the collections are achieved through gifts, bequests, and purchases and, on rare occasions, through transfers from other institutions. In the case of every accession, legal title and copyright to the object(s) involved is transferred to the MdHS. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Museum Committee and the Board of Trustees. In addition, copyright is sought for every accession.

When considering the donation of an object to the MdHS, please note that all objects to be considered for accessioning shall specifically relate to Maryland, have historic or artistic merit, and meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • The object was made in Maryland.
  • The object was made by a Maryland artist or craftsperson.
  • The subject of the object was (is) a Marylander, a Maryland scene, or a Maryland event.
  • The object was originally owned in Maryland or by a Marylander.
  • The object has or had direct and important connections to an event in Maryland history or a Marylander.
  • The object is typical or representative of a form or type used in Maryland.

In addition to an object’s historic or artistic value, the following criteria will be considered by MdHS when determining the appropriateness of any potential acquisition including the overall condition and history of use of the object relevant to the resources needed for its long-term care and conservation which include:

  • Inherent stability.
  • Immediate conservation requirements and costs.
  • Long-term conservation requirements and costs.
  • Physically hazardous attributes.
  • Exhibition and installation restrictions.
  • Availability of storage space and environmental conditions appropriate to the needs of the object.
  • Restrictions or obligations associated with accessioning objects.
MdHS