Donate an Artefact
The majority of new acquisitions to Shetland Museum and Archives collections are from donations made by the public. These are always gratefully received as it ensures a full and comprehensive record of Shetland’s past is kept.
There are times where we are unable to accept an item – for example if we already have something identical, or if the item is too large for us to store, too badly damaged to restore, or if it has no significant connection with Shetland’s past. Unfortunately, we can’t keep everything!
There are some guidelines below to help you decide if an item may be suitable to offer us. If you think your item is appropriate, please complete and submit the form below and a member of our curatorial staff will be in touch with you shortly. You can also drop in along our reception desk at Hay’s Dock.
If you are unsure and would like to discuss the object you would like to donate, please contact us.
- Is the item linked with Shetland’s past in some way? Remember we can’t accept items just because they are old.
- Is it in reasonably good condition?
- Is the item a rare or socially important object? Please bear in mind we have a large collection, and we may have examples of the object already.
- Is the item a suitable size to transport safely?