Artifact Donation Update

AS OF: 6/30/2026

Due to the Pennsylvania Military Museum’s ongoing closure, the museum will not be accepting donations at this time.  Any donation offers received will be archived for correspondence once the museum is again able to accept donations.

Artifact Donation

The Museum does not accept unsolicited artifacts through the mail. Those interested in donating artifacts must make an appointment* with our Curator, unannounced visits from prospective donors cannot be expected to be honored.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum preserves artifacts (large and small), archival material, and other items necessary to effectively tell the story of the service, sacrifice, and innovations related to the military history of the Commonwealth. As a Museum & Historic Site owned and administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Commonwealth of PA, the Pennsylvania Military Museum only accepts artifacts relating directly to Pennsylvania's military history for exhibition in the Museum.

*Please see “Artifact Donation Update” at the top of page.

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As a general rule, the Museum does not accept artifacts that are:

  • too large for storage or display within museum space

  • infested with insects, disease organisms, or other pests

  • in poor condition

  • newspapers

  • potentially hazardous items (e.g., live ammunition, unexploded ordnance)

  • duplicates of original artifacts

If you have objects that you are interested in donating to the Museum, please contact us at jebarndt@pa.gov.

When you email our team, please provide any available information on the items, including their age, the conflict with which they are related, their connection to Pennsylvania, and your contact information.  Also, if possible, please provide photographs of the artifact(s). 

Artifacts are only accepted as unrestricted gifts and if the owner wishes to place specific conditions upon their donation (e.g., display guarantees, terms of the loan, etc.), they will not be accepted. 

The Pennsylvania Military Museum uses artifacts for a variety of purposes, including exhibits organized and displayed in the Museum, for loans to other reputable institutions, and for research by students and historians. Artifacts not on exhibit or loan are placed in secure storage areas within the Museum. These areas have controlled humidity, temperature, and light to ensure that the items are carefully preserved.

Use the form below to contact our Curator about possible offers of donations.