Donate an Artifact
The Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol is currently accepting donations of artifacts and archival material into the Collections by appointment only. We are extremely judicious about adding to the collections and want to ensure that everything we collect is of high quality and fits within our mandate, while also ensuring the health and safety of staff and donors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before calling to schedule your appointment, in order for artifacts to be accepted, they must meet the following general guidelines:
- Artifacts must be historically significant, meaning they would contribute to an understanding of past human behaviour, customs, activities, events, institutions and personalities. The artifacts collected must be historically significant to the County of Huron.
- Objects must be in reasonable condition so that the Museum may fulfill its goal of preservation with as little conservation or restoration as possible.
- Display of objects is not guaranteed and must be useful in the Museum’s displays, research and interpretive activities.
- Donations are deemed to be unconditional gifts.
If you wish to donate an artifact to the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol, prior arrangements must be made with the Registrar. Please contact the Huron County Museum at 519-524-2686 x2202 to book an appointment.
When the Museum first opened in 1951, visitors were greeted at the door by these artifacts: a model of John Bull and his white bull dog. Currently you can find these artifacts in the Huron County Museum’s Neill Gallery along with many other personal items of the Museum’s Founder and first Curator, Mr. J.H. “Herbie” Neill.
In-Kind and Financial Donations
The Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol are places that tell our stories!
Your donation can be directed to enhance areas of the facilities that you are passionate about, or provide general assistance.
To donate by phone, please call:
519-524-2686
Cheques should be made payable to the Huron County Museum.
All donations are gratefully appreciated.
For more information, please contact:
Programming and Community Engagement Coordinator
519-482-5457 x 2292
museum@huroncounty.ca
Drop a coin in Herbie’s Automaton and watch as a model of the Museum’s first curator and founder, Jospeh Herbert Neill, and his two-headed calf spring to life! Located in the lobby of the Huron County Museum – every donation, no matter how small, supports the Huron County Musuem and Historic Gaol operations!