DONATIONS
What does the museum collect?
Since 1991, the Uintah County Heritage Museum has relied on the generosity of donors to expand its collections. We seek objects related to the history of the Uinta Basin and surrounding areas that help tell the story of its inhabitants and settlers, with a focus on key themes. Due to limited space, we cannot accept all items. We are unable to accept objects with donor restrictions except in special circumstances.
Since 1991, the Uintah County Heritage Museum has relied on the generosity of donors to expand its collections. We seek objects related to the history of the Uinta Basin and surrounding areas that help tell the story of its inhabitants and settlers, with a focus on key themes. Due to limited space, we cannot accept all items. We are unable to accept objects with donor restrictions except in special circumstances.
Key Themes
Our museum looks for donations that fall within our key themes:
Our museum looks for donations that fall within our 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 other notable Uinta Basin residents.
- Objects relating to the city of Vernal and the places that surround it. We seek 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, including under-represented communities in the Uinta Basin.
Time Period
We seek objects from prehistoric times to the present if they fall within our key themes.
We seek objects from prehistoric times to the present if they fall within our key themes.
Collecting Items
- We collect three-dimensional objects that support the museum’s mission and key themes.
- Objects from archaeological sites, indigenous communities or related sites, endangered species, and general natural history objects may be accepted but are not collected by the Museum. The Utah Field House of Natural History serves as the designated federal repository for natural history and prehistoric items.
- The museum does not collect archival materials such as photos, papers, books, and digital assets because it has a partnership with the Uintah County Library Regional History Center (RHC), which actively seeks out and stores these materials.
FAQs
What happens when I submit a request to donate?
Once you submit a donation request, it will be reviewed by out acquisitions committee. They will assess whether we have similar items in our collection or the necessary space to properly care for your donation. A decision will be made within 14 business days, and you will be contacted by phone. If your donation is accepted, an appointment will be arranged to either bring in the item, or have the item picked up, and complete the required paperwork to finalize the donation process.
What happens to my donation once it is accepted?
Once your donation is accepted, one of our registrars will manage it. They will assess the condition of the item, assign it a unique identification number, and catalog it in our system. The item will then be placed in storage or displayed in one of our exhibits. All stored objects are placed in appropriate archival boxes with padding, and stored according to best museum practices, to ensure they remain safe and secure.
Will my donation be put on permanent display?
Due to limited exhibit space, not all accepted objects will be displayed, and most will not be on permanent exhibit. To help preserve the integrity of the items, we frequently rotate our exhibits.
What happens when I submit a request to donate?
Once you submit a donation request, it will be reviewed by out acquisitions committee. They will assess whether we have similar items in our collection or the necessary space to properly care for your donation. A decision will be made within 14 business days, and you will be contacted by phone. If your donation is accepted, an appointment will be arranged to either bring in the item, or have the item picked up, and complete the required paperwork to finalize the donation process.
What happens to my donation once it is accepted?
Once your donation is accepted, one of our registrars will manage it. They will assess the condition of the item, assign it a unique identification number, and catalog it in our system. The item will then be placed in storage or displayed in one of our exhibits. All stored objects are placed in appropriate archival boxes with padding, and stored according to best museum practices, to ensure they remain safe and secure.
Will my donation be put on permanent display?
Due to limited exhibit space, not all accepted objects will be displayed, and most will not be on permanent exhibit. To help preserve the integrity of the items, we frequently rotate our exhibits.
