Some of what your family owns belongs in a museum. Literally.
American family attics contain an extraordinary quantity of genuine historical material — documents, photographs, objects, and artifacts that represent irreplaceable primary sources for understanding American history at the community and family level. Museum curators know this and they actively seek donations, loans, and research access to family collections. Here is what they are looking for and what your family might have.
Daguerreotypes and Early Photographs
From before 1870 are among the most historically significant items that American families own without knowing it. A daguerreotype — the silvered copper plate photograph in its hinged case — is a direct window into the 19th century and is sought after by historical societies, genealogical researchers, and photographic historians. Local and regional museums actively seek donations of early photographs with provenance information.
Civil War Era Letters and Diaries
Written by soldiers or civilians during the 1860s are primary source documents of enormous historical value. A collection of letters written by a Civil War soldier to his family — especially letters describing specific battles or camp life — is the kind of material that historians, universities, and museums actively seek. Do not let these disintegrate in a box.
Native American Artifacts
With clear provenance and family history documentation are subject to federal law under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and should be handled carefully. Some items may legally need to be repatriated. Others with documented provenance have significant historical and collector value. Always consult a specialist before making any decisions about Native American items.
Victorian-Era Trade Cards and Advertising Ephemera
The beautiful color-printed advertising cards that were distributed by businesses in the late 1800s — are collected by libraries, historical societies, and advertising history researchers. A large collection of Victorian trade cards in good condition is worth donating to a research institution where it can be studied.
Original Political Broadsides and Campaign Materials
From the 19th century — handbills, posters, ribbons, and buttons from political campaigns — are actively sought by political history museums and historical societies. Abraham Lincoln campaign material from 1860 is particularly valued.
Early 20th Century Home Movie Footage
On 8mm or 16mm film is increasingly recognized as irreplaceable historical documentation. Family footage of everyday life from the 1920s through 1960s — street scenes, family gatherings, community events — represents a visual record of American life that professional filmmakers and historians actively seek to preserve and digitize.
World War II Ration Books and Home Front Documents
Tell the story of civilian life during the war in ways that few other documents can. Complete ration books with unused stamps, victory garden documentation, and home front correspondence are sought by World War II museums and historical organizations.
Handwritten Recipes on Index Cards
Might seem trivial but food historians and culinary museum curators actively seek documentation of regional American food traditions. A recipe box full of handwritten cards spanning generations represents a primary source document of domestic history and food culture.
Church Records and Community Ledgers
Baptismal records, membership rolls, meeting minutes — are primary source documents for genealogical research and community history. Historical societies and genealogical libraries actively seek donations of old church and community organization records.
Original Architectural Plans and Property Documents
For historic properties are sought by preservation organizations, architectural history archives, and local historical societies. If your family built or owned a historically significant property, original plans and documents have genuine historical value beyond their personal significance.
History is not just in museums. Some of it is in your family’s attic.
