Collections
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum is not actively collecting objects for its' collections for the foreseeable future. Museum staff are currently doing a 100% inventory of the collections. Therefore, the museum will not accept any objects that are offered during this time unless is it an absolute one-of-a-kind object and is approved by the Center of Military History on a case-by-case basis. If you believe you have an object or item that is unique, merits exception and should be considered, please contact us with details of the item.
Donate to the Museum
Every year, many objects, books, and archival materials are added to the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum's collections through the generosity of individuals and organizations. These donations help us fulfill our mission as custodians of Army history.
Collections Policy
The museum staff is eager to collect objects and items that relate to our mission. Most items received into the collection are of historic and/or artistic merit, and are used for the purposes of display, comparison, research, preservation, or to upgrade the quality and/or condition of the collections. Only objects with demonstrated authenticity, established provenance and clear issues of title will be accepted by the museum. We will refuse any donations which have restrictions placed on them.
Information for Potential Donors
Due to the large volume of objects offered each year, we will not accept donated material through the mail without prior communication (no unsolicited donations will be accepted). Any unsolicited donations that arrive will be sent back to the donor, at their expense or thrown out. If you have material that you feel would complement the museum collection, please send us an e-mail or letter explaining the item, its significance, and include images and any pertinent background information. Inquiries and information regarding potential donations should be directed to:
For Collections:
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum
437 Quanah Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
Tel. 580-442-6570
For Archival:
Museum Technician (Archives)
Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum
437 Quanah Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
Tel. 580-442-5224
If you have Field Artillery objects or archival materials, please contact the Field Artillery Museum at 580-442-1819.
If you have Air Defense Artillery objects or archival materials, please contact the Air Defense Artillery Museum at 580-442-0424.
Information Requests
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum can answer brief questions concerning Fort Sill history; however, due to staffing limitations, the staff cannot conduct in-depth research for the public. We do not have any genealogical information or personnel records - the best place to go for that information would be the National Archives or Carlisle Barracks. No e-mail or phone-in requests for information are accepted - No exceptions. All requests for information must be written and sent via regular US mail. Please use the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum Information Request form to request information.
Frequently Asked Donation Questions
Due to regulations and policies issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum cannot provide monetary appraisals of items offered for donation (or for any other purpose). However, professional appraisers do perform this service for a fee. To find a licensed appraiser in your area, we recommend potential donors to contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America for a referral.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum is recognized as a qualified charitable organization. As such, the fair market value of your donated materials is generally tax deductible. To ensure that you receive the maximum tax benefit, it is recommended that you consult with your own accountant, attorney, and/or the Internal Revenue Service.
Donation offers are reviewed by the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum staff. The staff is knowledgeable in both the scope of our existing collection, as well as various issues associated with the long-term care of objects. The staff uses the criteria outlined in the Collections Policy as a guide. We also take into consideration the condition of the object and the availability of resources required to properly store and care for the item. The sensitive nature of materials or ownership of copyrights may also factor into acquisition decisions.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum staff typically can make a decision in a week or two but this may be delayed when staff time is otherwise committed to museum responsibilities, development of exhibits, or special programs. Some donations also require substantial research before the staff can adequately review them and render a decision. Due to the Center of Military History regulations, all potential donations must be approved by the Center of Military History's Collections Committee. The time taken by this Collections Committee varies. Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum staff will keep potential donors appraised during the process.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum will not accept unsolicited donations through the mail or in person without prior written communication. Any unsolicited donations that arrive will be sent back to the donor, at their expense. If you have objects or archival materials that you believe would make valuable additions to our collection, we ask that you kindly submit your request in writing.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum does not accept long-term loans. While we do accept loan materials on a short-term basis in conjunction with exhibitions and other programs, generally no more than 2 years, we cannot commit our resources to the long-term storage and preservation of materials that have not been permanently accessioned into the collections. If you are interested putting your objects on a short-term loan with the museum, please contact the museum to discuss options.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum cannot guarantee that any objects donated to its collection will be exhibited unless expressly collected for that purpose. Only a fraction of the collection is on view at any given time. However, the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum does allocate a significant portion of its annual budget to maintaining optimal conditions in its storage areas and galleries to ensure the long-term preservation of all collection materials. Objects from the collection are occasionally loaned to other institutions for temporary exhibitions, and most objects and documents in the collection are made available for research purposes.
The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum cannot return accessioned collection materials to the donor. Once the Museum accepts your donation for the collection, you will be required to sign a Deed of Gift, which legally transfers all rights and ownership of the materials to the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum.