Donating Your Scribal Projects

Deposit Photos. Used with permission.

DONATING YOUR ARTIFACTS

Good documentation contributes to profound histories. The basics I have shared with you, if followed with great diligence from exactly where you are are, carry the potential to open doors to contribute your documentation to varying galleries, festivals, archives, and histories beyond your personal family connections.

In my life as a journalist, I learned so much about documentation, access to services, and opportunities to contribute to the world in ways I probably never would have otherwise. I've watched people who collect vintage trains, porcelain dolls, and quilts make history simply because they understood documentation, respected the value of history, and was able to wrap stories around them. Whether we are documenting the tragedy of COVID-19, capturing images of the global protests surrounding injustice, or chronicling the hope for freedom for those lost in human trafficking, there are centers globally seeking to document our lives.

For questions pertaining to opportunities concerning your projects, contact:

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, or County Commissioners office in the United States. On a local level, these local government agencies usually know who is in charge of historical preservation initiatives in your city. They could be a first step in talking to someone about history in that city or country.

Contact your local historical societies or club (most cities have them). These groups generally know what kinds of documents, artifacts, information, etc. might be of interest to local museums are abroad. They may also offer resources specific to cultural projects.

Contact local cultural organizations or programs. These groups could provide insight into cultural museums, art exhibits, causes, etc.

Contact the state archives office or genealogical society. On a state level, this organization is probably well versed in interests, trends, and activities related to documentation within your state. They will also be able to provide in-depth insight on resources outside of your state.

Contact local art, history, and cultural museums within your city, county, or state. Find out about art, history, and cultural clubs, organizations, or groups. Often there are endless resources and advice on how to connect, prepare, and position yourselves for opportunities.

Contact local libraries, including those of colleges and universities in your state. Often, these libraries are plugged into campus-wide and sometimes local and state-level art, history, and exhibits.

Below, I've listed some of those resources inside the United States. For those in other countries, use these resources as clues to agencies and organizations in your area.

Citizen Contributions: National Archives Acquisitions: The Library of Congress Covid-19 Oral History Project PBS: Share Your Story NPR: Share the story of essential workers who lost their lives National Museum of African American History & Culture: Submit Artifacts Call for Human Rights Photography Donate to the Atlanta History Center Firefighters Hall of Fame Artifact Donations Donate Artifacts Jim Crow era