Preserve Malden’s History by Donating Artifacts to the Malden Historical Society

Are you holding a piece of Malden’s past? Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a significant artifact from more recent times, your donation to the Malden Historical Society can help keep our community’s story alive for future generations.

By contributing a single item or an entire collection, you play a vital role in preserving our shared heritage. Artifacts donated by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are essential in fulfilling our mission to document and interpret Malden’s rich history. Many of these items are proudly displayed in exhibits at the Malden Public Library, bringing our local stories to life for visitors of all ages. Let me know what you think.

What We’re Looking For

Our collection focuses on items that reflect Malden’s unique character, including:

• Architecture: Images or artifacts from historic buildings or pieces of structures from notable sites.
• Malden Images: Paintings, prints, postcards, and photographs depicting Malden landmarks and people.
• Clubs, Houses of Worship: Correspondence, brochures, photos, minutes, histories, documents
• Fashion: Locally-made clothing or garments worn by notable Malden residents.
• Military: Uniforms, medals, and memorabilia connected to local service members.
• Art: Paintings and sculptures by local artists or featuring Malden scenes.
• Social History: Everyday items from local homes, such as quilts, dinnerware, and tools.
• Sports: Memorabilia from professional, amateur, and local association teams, including Olympic athletes from the area.
• Businesses: Letterheads, bills, catalogs, packaging, minutes, photos, lists of employees, products (ex. Vogue Dolls or their accessories)
• Schools: Yearbooks, awards, class photos, staff, building photos, autograph books
• Personal Papers of Maldonians of any era: scrapbooks, albums, diaries, maps, awards, photos

This is just a sampling anything related to your families life in Malden is generally welcomed.

How to Donate

If you have an item you believe would enhance our collection, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at 617-863-6038 or email info@maldenhistoricalsociety.org to discuss your potential donation.
We kindly ask that you refrain from sending items through the mail without prior communication.

Common Questions

Can the Malden Historical Society appraise my donation?
No, we do not provide monetary appraisals. The Internal Revenue Service considers museums and libraries to be interested parties. However, you can contact a professional appraiser through organizations such as the American Society of Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! Donations accepted by the Malden Historical Society are considered charitable contributions to a registered non-profit organization.

What happens after I donate an artifact?
All potential donations are reviewed by our Curator, a local historian who evaluates each item’s relevance to our collection and its conservation needs. Once your donation is accepted, you’ll receive a formal Deed of Gift, legally transferring ownership of the item to the Malden Historical Society.

Can I request the return of an item I’ve donated?
No. Once an artifact is accessioned into our collection, it becomes the property of the Malden Historical Society to preserve for future generations.

Does the Society accept long-term loans?
Long-term loans are generally not accepted. However, short-term loans may be arranged for specific exhibits or programs.

Monetary Donations Needed

Artifact donations are invaluable, but preserving and expanding our collection requires financial support. Your monetary contribution helps us maintain proper conservation practices, develop new exhibits, and ensure that Malden’s history is accessible to all. Every dollar counts in protecting our shared heritage!

Donating is easy—please consider making a tax-deductible gift today.

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have additional questions about donating artifacts or making a financial contribution, please reach out to our Curator, John Tramondozzi, by calling 617-863-6038 or emailing info@maldenhistoricalsociety.org.

Together, let’s preserve Malden’s history for future generations to explore and enjoy.

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