Our Mission
“The Woodstock Museum NHS exists to collect, conserve, research, exhibit and interpret a collection of representative and significant artifacts that contribute to an understanding of the history of Woodstock and North Oxford County.”
The Collection
The Museum collection currently has over 20 thousand artifacts and growing, with over 18 thousand in a searchable database. The database allows staff and researchers easy access to information on the collection. The collection is made up of three parts: objects, photographic images and paper artifacts. For research information on the collection
click here!
The Photographic Collection
The Museum has over 8,000 images as part of the photo collection. These images are searchable within the Museum’s database so the staff and researcher can find images and information easily. Images may be reproduced for a nominal fee which depends on the format requested. Note, only images that are in the public domain or that the Museum owns copyright can be reproduced. For research information on the photo collection
click here!
The Education Collection
The Museum has a small education collection that is used in our education programming. The artifacts in this collection can be picked up and handled which allows the public to get a hands-on approach to history.
What we are Collecting
The Museum is currently collecting any objects or photographs that are part of Woodstock’s history. This includes objects or photos that were made in Woodstock, used in Woodstock or would have been used in Woodstock. All donations are reviewed before becoming a part of the collection. Please see the FAQ section below on how to donate and the review process.
What we are not Collecting or can't Take
The Museum is not collecting archival materials; please direct archival material to the
Oxford County Archives or the
Oxford Historical/Genealogical Society. The Museum does not take newspaper as there is no way to stop it from breaking down. The Museum can not take larger objects, due to space restrictions. As a general rule of thumb - if it will not fit through a standard door we will not be able to take it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HOW DOES THE WOODSTOCK MUSEUM NHS DETERMINE WHAT IS COLLECTED?
All donations are presented before the Museum Advisory Committee to determine whether the Museum will accept them into the collection. The Committee, with recommendations from staff, looks at three main areas to make their determination: the objects history, its condition and relevance to our mission statement. Other factors such as size, special restrictions and greater significance to another institution, may also be considered.
WHO IS THE MUSEUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE?
The Museum Advisory Committee is made up of Woodstock citizens who are appointed by Council for a four year term.
HOW CAN I MAKE A DONATION TO THE WOODSTOCK MUSEUM?
All donations need to be brought to the Museum for review by the Museum Advisory Committee before they are accepted. We ask that larger items be photographed and the photos be brought in due to space restrictions. The Committee meets approximately once a month to review all pending donations. When you bring in your object(s) for donation you will be asked to fill out a temporary receipt in order for the Museum to hold onto your donation while waiting for their review. Your objects will receive the same care as the rest of the Museum’s collection while waiting for review.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY DONATION IF IT IS ACCEPTED?
If the Committee accepts your donation into the collection, then you will receive a letter in the mail with a donor form that you will need to fill out and return in the postage paid envelope to the Museum. When the Museum has received the completed donor form, your objects will be processed and added to our collection for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DONATION IS NOT ACCEPTED?
If the Committee does not accept your donation into the collection, then you will receive a letter in the mail that thanks you for your donation and asks that you to make arrangements to pick up your objects.
HOW DO I DONATE TO THE EDUCATION COLLECTION?
There is a spot on the temporary receipt for you to fill in, as to which collection you would like your objects to go to. You may select both and the committee will decide where the objects are best suited to be.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T WISH TO FILL OUT A TEMPORARY RECEIPT OR DONOR FORM?
If you do not fill out a temporary receipt when you leave your object at the Museum they will be disposed of immediately. If you do not fill out and return the donor form within 30 days of acceptance, then the objects are still legally yours and can not be entered into the Museum’s collection. You will be then notified to pick them up within 30 days or they will be disposed of.
CAN I BRING IN MY OBJECT(S) TO BE APPRAISED?
No, the Museum does not have the ability to appraise objects. You would have to go to a professional appraiser.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE THAT I WOULD LIKE MY OBJECT(S) BACK IN A FEW YEARS?
As soon as you sign them over to the Museum they become the legal property of the Museum and they are no longer yours. Please think carefully and consult your family members before making any donations.
IF I HAVE ANY MORE QUESTION WHO DO I CONTACT?
For any questions about the collection, donations, or researching please contact the registrar at:
Phone: 519-537-8411 ex. 2902
Fax: 519-537-7235
apollard@city.woodstock.on.ca
