Donating an Object
Thank you for considering the MAE as a potential home for your treasures! Our collections have been built over 55 years of generous donations and archaeological excavations.
The decision to accept items for our collections is not taken lightly. When we acquire any belonging, we expend resources on its care, conservation, research, exhibition, and storage indefinitely, preserving and protecting it for future generations.
Because our resources are limited, we prioritise the following:
- Belongings that have high potential for research or teaching;
- Belongings that align with our priorities for expansion;
- And belongings that can, to the best of our understanding and ability, be reasonably cared for
Processing, researching, documenting, and exhibiting/housing these treasures comes with tangible as well as intangible costs, all of which are carefully considered before we commit to any new acquisitions.
If you are interested in donating an object, please get in touch with us through email at museum@sfu.ca or using our contact form. We ask you to include the following information to the best of your ability:
- Place of origin or associated culture/communities
- Age/time period of creation
- Composite materials (i.e., paper, wood, horn, etc.)
- Approximate measurements
- How the item was acquired
- Any further relevant information - family history, independent research, etc.
- Photographs
We will acknowledge receipt of your offer. Please allow 8-12 weeks for a final decision to be reached.