Donating Collections
Special Collections and Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to primary sources that document the history of aviation, the local and regional history of the Miami Valley, and the history of Wright State University. For further information regarding our collecting scope, we encourage you to read our complete collection policy.
What to Donate
We work closely with donors to identify those materials of research interest that should be preserved. Although not all papers, photographs, and records fall within our collecting scope, the information below indicates materials that are often valuable in their content.
- Aviation History: Donations of material related to aviation history and aviation technology in general, with particular geographic emphasis on aviation innovation and history in Ohio and the Miami Valley, home of the Wright Brothers. Materials to be considered include: photographs, films, technical papers and manuals, drawings, flight logbooks and journals, personal and organizational records, and aviation books and journals.
- Personal and Family Papers: The personal papers of individuals and families are essential documents in telling the story of our past. This means not just the papers of the well-known or prominent, but also the farmer, laborer, and housewife. For more information about donating personal and family papers, including a list of desirable types of documents, refer to the brochure A Guide to Donating Your Personal or Family Papers to a Repository.
- Organization Records: The records of our many and varied organizations are vital in documenting the social, religious, political, and business involvement of the Miami Valley. For more information about donating personal and family papers, including a list of desirable types of documents, refer to the brochure A Guide to Donating Your Organizational Records to a Repository.
- Publications: Desired publications include: county, community, church, and business histories, family histories and genealogies, county atlases, business magazines, organization newsletters, and aviation journals and magazines.
Collecting Exclusions
It is not possible for the Archives to accept all materials that are offered. This may be due to duplication, condition, format, or subject areas in which we do not collect. Please note that we do not accept artifacts and suggest you contact the appropriate state, county, or local historical society for information. For further information about our collection policy and how to donate materials, please contact us.
