DONATIONS
What does the museum collect?
The Uintah County Heritage Museum has relied on generous donors to grow our collections since 1991. We are interested in objects associated with the history of the Uinta Basin and closely surrounding areas that help tell the story of the people who lived and settled here. We look for objects that help highlight certain key themes. Due to space constraints, not all objects can be accepted by the museum at this time. We are also unable to accept objects with donor restrictions except in special circumstances.
The Uintah County Heritage Museum has relied on generous donors to grow our collections since 1991. We are interested in objects associated with the history of the Uinta Basin and closely surrounding areas that help tell the story of the people who lived and settled here. We look for objects that help highlight certain key themes. Due to space constraints, not all objects can be accepted by the museum at this time. We are also unable to accept objects with donor restrictions except in special circumstances.
Key Themes
- Early settlers of the Uinta Basin, specifically Ashley Valley, Brown’s Park, the Book Cliffs, Green River, and Yampa River areas
- Objects that help tell individual and the collective stories of people like John Wesley Powell, Nathaniel Galloway, Josie Bassett, Bus Hatch, and others
- Objects relating to the city of Vernal and the places that surround it, we seek to retain objects that help interpret the local history of the town and its place in the larger narrative of Uinta Basin history
- Community stories (i.e. Kid’s Canal)
- Objects that highlight important and interesting individual stories, lifestyles, and histories that related to the citizens of the area
- Objects to help elevate the stories and history of our Indigenous peoples
- We are also committed to expanding access to the history of other cultures, often under-represented communities in the Uinta Basin
Time Period
We seek objects from prehistoric times to the present if they fall into our key themes
We seek objects from prehistoric times to the present if they fall into our key themes
Physical Items to be Collected
- Three-dimensional objects as they contribute to the interpretation of the museum’s mission
- Objects that come from archeological, Indigenous communities, or sites relating to Indigenous communities, endangered species, and natural history objects, in general, may be accepted, but are not collected by the museum. The Utah Field House of Natural History is the designated federal repository for natural history and prehistory items
- The museum does not collect archival materials (i.e. photos, papers, books, and digital assets) due to a relationship with the Uintah County Regional History Center (RHC) that actively solicits this material
FAQs
What happens when I submit a request to donate?
Once you submit a donation request, it will be sent to our acquisitions committee. They will look over the request to see if we have similar objects or space available to care for your donation properly. They will make a decision within 14 business days and give you a call. If they accept the donation, they will make an appointment with you to bring in the donation or pick it up and fill out the necessary paperwork to make things official.
What happens to my donation once it is accepted?
Once your donation is accepted, it will be handled by one of our registrars. They will report on the condition of the object, give it a unique number, and catalog it in our computer program. From there it will either be put away in storage or be put on display in one of our exhibits. All stored objects are housed in the appropriate archival boxes and padded to ensure everything is safe and secure.
Will my donation be put on permanent display?
Due to limited exhibit space, not every object accepted will be put on display, and most do not go on permanent display. We often try to rotate our exhibits to help preserve the object’s integrity.
What happens when I submit a request to donate?
Once you submit a donation request, it will be sent to our acquisitions committee. They will look over the request to see if we have similar objects or space available to care for your donation properly. They will make a decision within 14 business days and give you a call. If they accept the donation, they will make an appointment with you to bring in the donation or pick it up and fill out the necessary paperwork to make things official.
What happens to my donation once it is accepted?
Once your donation is accepted, it will be handled by one of our registrars. They will report on the condition of the object, give it a unique number, and catalog it in our computer program. From there it will either be put away in storage or be put on display in one of our exhibits. All stored objects are housed in the appropriate archival boxes and padded to ensure everything is safe and secure.
Will my donation be put on permanent display?
Due to limited exhibit space, not every object accepted will be put on display, and most do not go on permanent display. We often try to rotate our exhibits to help preserve the object’s integrity.