Artifact & Object Donations

The Ashbel Woodward Museum and the Franklin Historical Society welcome donations of historical pieces that help bring our community's past to life.

What We Accept

To ensure our collections remain focused and sustainable, we accept items that meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The Woodward Era (1830–1885): Artifacts representing 19th-century life during Dr. Woodward's lifetime, including medical instruments, homesteading tools, religious items, and everyday household objects.

• Local Heritage: Any historical items that carry direct, documented provenance to West Farms or the Town of Franklin.

Our Review & Preservation Process

Accepting a new artifact is a long-term commitment. Once an item enters our collection, we are tasked with its preservation for generations to come. Because our storage and care capacities are limited, all potential donations are reviewed by our Collections Manager on a need-basis.

When evaluating an item, we carefully consider:

• Provenance & Significance: The documented history and local relevance of the piece.

• Condition & Size: Whether we have the physical space and resources to properly house it.

• Preservation Costs: The ongoing cost to safely stabilize, store, and preserve the material.

 Support the Care of Your History: Because archival preservation materials are expensive, we kindly ask that you consider making a voluntary monetary contribution alongside your object donation. These gifts help our small budget go much further.

Finalizing Your Donation

Once a donation is approved, we require a formal Deed of Gift to be acknowledged and signed by the donor. Upon completion, the item legally becomes the permanent property of either the Ashbel Woodward Museum or the Franklin Historical Society.

 A Note From Our Team: It is no secret that we absolutely love historic pieces and the stories they hold. Please understand that if we have to say no to a particular item or collection due to space, duplicate artifacts, or condition, it truly pains us just as much as it does you!

How to Propose an Item

If you have an item you would like us to consider, please contact us before bringing it to the museum so we can discuss its history with you:

•  Phone: 860-642-1988

•  Email: ashbelwoodwardmuseum@gmail.com

The museum welcomes monetary donations

Monetary Donations

Thank you for considering a financial contribution to protect, preserve, and promote our local history. Financial support directly benefits the joint preservation efforts of both The Friends of Franklin’s Heritage Sites and the Franklin Historical Society.

Tax-Deductible Giving

Monetary gifts are processed through our registered non-profit entities. Your generous donations are 100% tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and directly fund the endless projects, seasonal exhibits, and community needs of the museum.  

How Your Gift Makes a Difference

While municipal funding helps maintain our historic structures, 100% of our public programming and artifact preservation relies on your generosity. Your financial contributions support:  

•  Educational Programs: Funding local school group tours, one-room schoolhouse initiatives, and hands-on youth history projects.  

•  Community Events & Activities: Supporting major regional gatherings like Franklin Fest, specialized historical workshops, and our guest speaker series.  

• Collection Care & Archival Supplies: Sourcing the specialized museum-grade materials needed to safely stabilize, store, and display centuries of local artifacts.  

Ways to Give Today

• By Mail: * Checks for the Franklin Historical Society can be mailed to: P.O. Box 73, Franklin, CT 06254  

  • Checks for the Friends of Franklin's Heritage Sites can be mailed to: P.O. Box 62, Franklin, CT 06254  

•  In Person: Secure donation boxes are located at the museum entrance during open hours and special events.  

Every Contribution Counts: As entirely volunteer-run organizations, every single dollar goes directly back into protecting, documenting, and celebrating the historic legacy of West Farms and the Town of Franklin. Thank you for your support!