How to donate an item
Scope of Collections
The Madison County Historical Society’s collections consist of prehistoric and historic archaeological items, historical objects and clothing, local and regional archives, books, manuscripts, oral histories, and some natural history specimens.
The MCHS collections contain several thousand specimens largely from Madison County, Illinois, and surrounding areas. These collections also include associated documentation, maps, and photographic images.
Process
The Museum receives a high volume of donations. Each offer is reviewed and carefully considered, and we only accept a small percentage of the donations offered. We encourage donors to fill out our “Donate an Item” form or make contact with a staff member before bringing an item into the Museum or Archival Library.
All potential donation objects deposited for consideration shall be registered with a Temporary Custody Receipt. While in MCHS possession, the item and its provenance are researched and evaluated for acceptance into the permanent collection. If accepted, the item becomes the property of the Madison County Historical Society and a Deed of Gift is sent to the donor to be signed and returned.
What we accept/don't accept
We accept donations of archives, manuscripts, historical and archaeological objects, and associated documentation that are from Madison County, Illinois or related objects. Objects we accept must have scientific, historical, or archaeological value to Madison County or the immediate vicinity or be specific to the history of the Madison County Historical Society.
MCHS may choose to refuse items that fit the scope of collections due to space limitations, conservation costs, provenance concerns, or legal/ethical conflicts.
The MCHS will not actively collect objects associated with Native American human
remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or items defined as objects of cultural patrimony by Public Law 101-601, the “Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.”
Collection FAQs
MCHS collects items that help tell the Madison County story. Those items can include prehistoric and historic archaeological items, historical objects and clothing, local and regional archives, books, manuscripts, maps, oral histories, and natural history specimens.
Yes, you can bring items during our normal operating hours. We advise potential donors to call, email, or fill out an inquiry form first. If you need to send an item, please contact the Museum or Archival Library first. [add link to contact us page]
Please note: MCHS reserves the right to dispose of any unsolicited materials delivered to one of its sites.
Staff members research and assess potential donations prior to acceptance. They look for items that fit the scope of collections, help tell the Madison County story, are in good condition, and have provenance. The items are also evaluated against the current collection in an effort to reduce duplicates.
The Madison County Historical Society along with the History Museum and Archival Library are unable to appraise items due to legal and ethical rules.
Only a small percentage of items are displayed on exhibit. We cannot promise to display donated items. The collections are available to staff and researchers in person and online. Check our Past Perfect Online to search through some of the MCHS collections. Researchers may request access to items in the collection in person or by submitting a research request. For more information, visit the Learn section of our website.
The donor’s signature on the Deed of Gift legally transfers ownership of the object to the Madison County Historical Society, and it becomes the property of MCHS. Items cannot be returned.
The MCHS collections are stored in secured buildings on site with humidity and temperature controls.
The museum and archival library do not purchase items or collections from private individuals.
While we do accept walk-in donations, please fill out our donation inquiry form or contact MCHS to speak with a staff member prior to bringing an item in. Items are evaluated after a Temporary Custody Receipt is completed. If accepted, potential donors sign a Deed of Gift which transfers ownership to the Madison County Historical Society.
No, MCHS does not accept donations with conditions or items loaned for long-term or indefinite periods of time.
The History Museum and Archival Library are engaged in ongoing digitization of the MCHS Collection, but we cannot give any timeline when and if a particular collection will be imaged and accessible.
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