We are unable to accept unsolicited donations without a donation form
Please note that, due to the high volume of donation offers the Chicago History Museum receives, we are unable to accept unsolicited objects, images, or documents unless you first submit a completed Online Collection Donation Form describing the material you wish to donate.
Please do not send the original materials you wish to donate to the Museum until you have been contacted by Museum staff.
If you have objects, images, and documents that you believe would add to the Chicago History Museum’s collection, please fill out the Online Collection Donation Form.
If you are unable to complete the online form, please call the Chicago History Museum receptionist at 312-642-4600 and request that a copy of the donation form be mailed to you. Please try to include a photograph and measurements of the objects, images, or documents with your form. You may mail back your completed form to the address below or send it via fax.
Collection Donations
Department of Curatorial Affairs
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60614-6038
Fax: 312-266-2077
Once the form is received, your proposed donation will be assigned to a curator or collection staff member who will contact you within four weeks. If we are interested in accepting your donation, Museum staff will work with you to receive your objects, images, and documents. A curator will present your historical materials along with a recommendation for acquisition at the Staff Collection Committee, which meets every two months (please note, regular reviews may be postponed when staff time is otherwise committed to the development of special exhibitions or special programs). Following acceptance by the Staff Collection Committee, you will be issued a deed of gift to document your transfer of the objects, images, and documents to the Museum. If you have questions, concerns, or other issues you wish to discuss, please contact us.
