Donate an Object

The Valentine accepts objects, archival materials and textiles related to the history of the Richmond region. Once accepted, donations become part of our accessioned or non-accessioned collections and may be used in exhibitions, programs and research.

The Valentine cannot accept all objects. Determining factors include the object’s physical condition, the number of similar objects already in the collection, and the object’s unique history.

Artifacts are selected for the collection based on the following criteria:

• The object must relate to Richmond region history, defined as:
  • City of Richmond
  • Charles City County
  • Chesterfield County
  • Goochland County
  • Hanover County
  • Henrico County
  • New Kent County
  • Powhatan County

• The object must fall within the museum’s mission.
• The Valentine must have the resources to properly house and provide long-term care for the item.
• The donation must be an unrestricted gift with transfer of permanent ownership.
• The acquisition of material must conform to the Valentine’s collections policies.

Donations are an essential way that the Valentine grows its collection to document all parts of Richmond’s history. Objects that are offered for donation are first placed with the museum for review. Following acceptance, final ownership transfer paperwork is sent to donors. In order to assist our careful review of materials you wish to donate, please fill out the form below as completely as possible.

If you are not able to complete this form online, please call the Valentine (804) 649-0711 to speak with a member of our curatorial team.

Please do not send materials or bring materials to the museum unless you have had prior communication with our curatorial staff.