Collections
The Pine Island Area Historical Society is home to a diverse historical collection. We strive to collect exceptional material that may further the Society’s mission. This material may come from individuals or organizations.
Before something is accepted into the collection, it must undergo a review process and meet standards set in our collections scope. Due to storage and financial concerns, not all items are accepted.
If you are interested in donating something, please review the following frequently asked questions before reaching out to Pine Island Area Historical Society.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat kinds of things does Pine Island Area Historical Society collect?We collect a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to:historical objects, photographs, books, manuscripts, maps, videos, art & more! What doesn’t Pine Island Area Historical Society collect?In most cases, we do not currently accept:newspapers, unidentified photographs, geological or archaeological materials, items not related to Pine Island Area, items with uncertain origin or provenance. How can I donate something?First, please contact the Pine Island Area Historical Society with information about what you would like to donate. The more details you’re able to provide, the easier it will be for us to evaluate if the item will fit into Pine Island Area Historical Society's collection. An appointment will be scheduled with you to bring the item to the History Center if it seems like something that might fit.
Can I send/mail/bring something in right away?We ask that you contact us to make an appointment before bringing in your potential donation. Please contact the Pine Island Area Historical Society for mailing instructions before sending any items. We are unable to accept packages delivered directly to the physical address.
What happens when I donate something?If we believe your donation will fit into Pine Island Area Historical Society’s collection, there will be some paperwork for you to sign to give PIAHS permission to keep your item while the rest of the process continues. Your donation will need to be approved before final paperwork will be sent to officially transfer ownership. How is the decision to take or decline an item made?There are numerous factors staff review before accepting or declining an item and each case is unique. Available storage space and current representation in the collection are often key considerations. However, accepted items must always meet the following:It can be cared for and stored by the Society in perpetuityIt is not encumbered with conditions that limit its ability to support PIAHS’s missionIt comes with satisfactory provenanceIt enhances one of PIAHS’s established areas of collecting or it makes a significant contribution for a new area of collecting Can you appraise my items?We are unble to assign a monetary value to any item. Please contact a professional appraisal service if you would like something assessed. Can something donated by me or my ancestors be returned to me?Items formally accessioned into PIAHS’s collection cannot be returned to the donor or their descendants. The final step of the donation process asks donors to sign a Deed of Gift form which legally transfers ownership and associated rights to the Pine Island Area Historical Society.
If you are interested in donating something, please review the following frequently asked questions before reaching out to Pine Island Area Historical Society.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat kinds of things does Pine Island Area Historical Society collect?We collect a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to:historical objects, photographs, books, manuscripts, maps, videos, art & more! What doesn’t Pine Island Area Historical Society collect?In most cases, we do not currently accept:newspapers, unidentified photographs, geological or archaeological materials, items not related to Pine Island Area, items with uncertain origin or provenance. How can I donate something?First, please contact the Pine Island Area Historical Society with information about what you would like to donate. The more details you’re able to provide, the easier it will be for us to evaluate if the item will fit into Pine Island Area Historical Society's collection. An appointment will be scheduled with you to bring the item to the History Center if it seems like something that might fit.
Can I send/mail/bring something in right away?We ask that you contact us to make an appointment before bringing in your potential donation. Please contact the Pine Island Area Historical Society for mailing instructions before sending any items. We are unable to accept packages delivered directly to the physical address.
What happens when I donate something?If we believe your donation will fit into Pine Island Area Historical Society’s collection, there will be some paperwork for you to sign to give PIAHS permission to keep your item while the rest of the process continues. Your donation will need to be approved before final paperwork will be sent to officially transfer ownership. How is the decision to take or decline an item made?There are numerous factors staff review before accepting or declining an item and each case is unique. Available storage space and current representation in the collection are often key considerations. However, accepted items must always meet the following:It can be cared for and stored by the Society in perpetuityIt is not encumbered with conditions that limit its ability to support PIAHS’s missionIt comes with satisfactory provenanceIt enhances one of PIAHS’s established areas of collecting or it makes a significant contribution for a new area of collecting Can you appraise my items?We are unble to assign a monetary value to any item. Please contact a professional appraisal service if you would like something assessed. Can something donated by me or my ancestors be returned to me?Items formally accessioned into PIAHS’s collection cannot be returned to the donor or their descendants. The final step of the donation process asks donors to sign a Deed of Gift form which legally transfers ownership and associated rights to the Pine Island Area Historical Society.