The Collections of the CT SHPO Museums

FAQs

• What should I know about the museums and their collections?
  Answer: The State SHPO Museums are four museums with a unified purpose: to serve the people of Connecticut by sharing stories of Connecticut’s past in a way that will help citizens plan for Connecticut’s future. Each museum strives to fulfill this through preserving the historic fabric of the land, buildings and collections which are entrusted to our care and share that with the public.
  
  The collections consist of objects, artwork, books, photographs, archival materials and artifacts from site archaeology. Each museum sits on State Archaeological Preserves, protecting the land itself.
• What types of items do the CT SHPO Museums collect?
  Answer:

  Each museum has developed a Scope of Collections and interpretative themes which help guide curators with collecting strategies and plans for existing and future collections. These plans along with consideration for stewardship allow us to plan for the future. The Scopes of Collections and Interpretive Themes for each museum are listed for each museum.

  • Henry Whitfield State Museum
  • Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine
  • Prudence Crandall Museum
  • Eric Sloane Museum
• How do I donate artifacts or documents to the CT SHPO Museums?
  Answer: With limited space and resources, we must be selective in what we accept. In general, we are not looking to acquire items that duplicate those already in our collections. A good first step is to look at the Museum’s Scope of Collections. If you believe it will fit, please fill out our Donation Inquiry Form.
  
  We will not accept unsolicited donations through the mail or in person. Please use the Donation Inquiry Form and Museum Staff will contact you.
  
  For more information, see Donating to the CT SHPO Museums tab
  
  A response can take two weeks or more, so please be patient, and we will respond if we are interested.
• Are your collections online?
  Answer: The DECD State Museums uses Connecticut Collections to catalogue our collections. The Public Portal module allows us to make our collections accessible online. We are working hard to add more collection items online, but reality is we have a long way to go.
  
  You can access Connecticut Collections, and search for our museums listed under institutions. You can also use the search function to search all the available collections on Connecticut Collections.
• Can the DECD Museum staff appraise my object?
  Answer:

  It is against CT SHPO Museums policy to provide appraisal or valuation services. This is due to a combination of legal, ethical and conflict-of-interest guidelines.
  
  Donors seeking an appraisal must seek the services of an accredited appraiser. Start with one of these nonprofit appraisal organizations:

  • The American Society of Appraisers
  • Appraisers Association of America
  • The International Society of Appraisers
• When will my donation be on exhibit?
  Answer: We cannot guarantee that any object donated will be placed on display. In fact, only a small portion of the collection is on exhibit at any one time. Regardless, it is a valued piece of Connecticut’s history and will be preserved to allow future generations to learn about Connecticut’s heritage through research, publication and potentially loans to other cultural institutions.
• Can I use an image I found in your online Collection?
  Answer: We appreciate you asking! Most images are available to be used, within the “Fair Use” rule (non-commercial personal or educational use). Reach out to the Curator of Collections for assistance if you are looking for use beyond the “Fair Use” rule.