Objects to Offer?

The collections of The Henry Ford, defined as objects, photographs, books, periodicals, manuscripts, moving images, and recordings, are the primary tools and resources for providing authentic, effective historical experiences.

Please use this procedure for all potential object donations or purchases for The Henry Ford's collections.  We follow this policy to maintain the integrity of the museum’s collections and to ensure the safety of an artifact before officially accepted into the collections:

• Submit all potential donations or purchases in writing, directed to the Benson Ford Research Center (see contact information below). 
• Describe the object, including any model numbers, manufacturers' names, and the measurements.
• Write a short statement about the owner’s intention to donate or sell the object. 
• Include a photograph or photocopy of the object with your letter.

Once the Benson Ford Research Center receives your written proposal, staff assigns a tracking number and forwards the letter to the curator in charge of the appropriate object area. The curator researches the history of the object and determines if the object meets the criteria established by the museum for acceptance into the collections.  The criteria include but are not limited to whether the artifact advances the museum’s mission statement. When an object meets the criteria, the curator then recommends a proposed object to the Collections Committee, which is responsible for shaping and developing the museum's collections.  The committee then approves or rejects the proposed object.  This process often takes many weeks.  We appreciate your patience.

Do not bring any artifact to The Henry Ford before contacting us in writing.

Please send your potential object donation letter to:
Benson Ford Research Center
The Henry Ford
P.O. Box 1970
Dearborn, MI 48121-1970 USA
fax: (313) 982-6244
email: research.center@TheHenryFord.org

Thank you for your interest in the collections of The Henry Ford!