Every artifact tells a story, but only the right ones make it to the Woodstock Museum

Museum staff provide professional expertise and care when preserving community artifacts. (Alex Hunt Photo)

Alex Hunt, Echo Contributor

Nearly half of all donation offers to the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site are declined, as the museum focuses on preserving items that reflect the community’s history.

Curator of Collections Adam Pollard said the museum declines about 50 per cent of artifacts offered by area residents, either because the items are not directly connected to Woodstock or due to limited storage space.

Most of the collection held at the Woodstock Museum is from the 1850s and up, with a few items that date back to the late 1700s.

“People can bring their artifacts to us, and we’ll take them in on a temporary receipt,” said Pollard. “From there, we prepare a report and send it to our committee, which decides whether the donation will be accepted. It’s always best to call ahead and check if the artifact is something we’re likely to take.”

Education Officer Kerrie Gill said the museum is on the hunt for political artifacts. She explained that there are a lot of political figures who could be better represented in the collection.

“If people want to donate an item, then they need to sell me on it. Why should it be in the collection?” said Pollard. “The more history you give us then the more that the committee is going to be interested because then the artifact tells a story, and then we can put it on display and tell that story.”

Pollard said the museum works to ensure artifacts are properly preserved using temperature and climate-control technology. He added that newspapers are not accepted, as they will deteriorate regardless of the preservation methods used.

“Every artifact we receive is a bridge between the past and the present. When someone donates, they’re helping keep Woodstock’s story alive for generations to come.”