Hanford History Project

Donation Policy

Hanford History Project Donation Policy

Before you donate

Thank you for your interest in donating archival materials to the Hanford History Project (HHP) at Washington State University Tri-Cities (WSUTC).  We ask that you review our donation policies and procedures below:

  • The Hanford History Project accepts offers of donation via email, telephone, or letter (see contact information below). PLEASE DO NOT BRING ITEMS TO OUR OFFICE OR DROP THEM OFF AT THE WSU CAMPUS.
  • To learn more about the types of materials the Hanford History Project acquires for its collections, please consult our Donation FAQ.
  • We ask that you provide a detailed description of the material you wish to donate, the quantity, pictures of the item or objects, and your contact information.
  • All donation offers are handled during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00) and must be reviewed by Project staff before they can be accepted. Someone will respond to your offer within ten (10) business days if the material you wish to donate falls within our collection development policy.
  • Please note that all unsolicited donations (including drop-offs) will be automatically discarded/destroyed.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  All gifts, regardless of donor, may be subject to review by Mission Support Alliance, Department of Energy Richland Operations Office, or any other relevant government agencies, contractors, or subcontractors.  Materials found to contain information that is classified or otherwise unavailable for public viewing will become the property of the Department of Energy and will not be released to the owner or to WSUTC.  All unsolicited donations will be disposed of without possibility of return.

Contact

Robert Franklin
Assistant Director/Archivist | (509) 372-7678 | ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu

Jillian Gardner-Andrews
Project Coordinator | (509) 372-7447 | ourhanfordhistory@tricity.wsu.edu

Mail
Washington State University Tri-Cities
ATTN: Hanford History Project
2710 Crimson Way
Richland, WA, 99354

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT KINDS OF MATERIALS DO YOU ACCEPT?

The HHP accepts collections of unique objects and primary-source materials that document the activities of the Hanford Site and surrounding area.  Our primary interest is in artifacts and objects that document the various processes and techniques used at the Hanford site, original documents, manuscripts, photographic images, sound recordings, moving images, and oral histories created or maintained by pre-Manhattan Project residents, WWII, Cold War, and cleanup era workers, their families, and area residents.

WHAT DON’T YOU ACCEPT?

We generally do not accept the following categories of materials:

  • Periodicals: newspapers, journals, and magazine (including magazine special editions);
  • Books (including commemorative books) and personal libraries;
  • Mass-produced materials such as advertisements, pamphlets, and brochures;
  • Photocopies or digital facsimiles of original materials (including those from other archives);
  • Materials that are too fragile to service to researchers or require extensive conservation;
  • Materials that have mold, mildew, pest, or other potentially harmful infestations; or
  • Organic materials.
HOW MUCH IS MY MATERIAL WORTH?

As a state institution the HHP cannot purchase materials, provide monetary appraisals, or recommend individual appraisers.  Should you wish to have your materials appraised you must do so prior to donating them to the Project.

DO I NEED TO SIGN ANYTHING? WHAT PAPERWORK DO YOU NEED FOR MY DONATION?

Materials will be reviewed by the Archivist and/or Curator and if selected for acceptance you will be asked to fill out a Deed of Gift and Assessment and bring the items to a screening facility if applicable.  We do not accept materials for temporary loan or deposit; materials donated to the HHP become the physical property of Washington State University or the Department of Energy.  Donors transfer to WSU/DOE any copyrights they hold in the materials.

HOW WILL I KNOW YOU RECEIVED MY DONATION?

All pre-approved donations will be acknowledged formally upon receipt, usually by letter.  Please note that all unsolicited donations will not be acknowledged and will be disposed.

WILL MY DONATION BE EXHIBITED?

We cannot guarantee that donations will be placed on display and we are unable to accept donations requiring this stipulation.