Donate

The Novium regularly receives, through donations or bequests, objects that reflect our district's heritage.

Do you have a personal treasure, a family heirloom, or a collection of objects with a connection to the district that you think more people would love to see?

New acquisitions bring new perspectives to our existing collections, and can sometimes enhance research in the areas of archaeology, geology and social history.

The historical value of an object is increased when more is known about it. Who made it? How was it used? How did you acquire it? What condition is it in? The answers to these questions and more are important in our decisions to accept new objects into the collections. We also need to determine whether the objects fit into our collecting policy. Therefore, please understand that we cannot accept all offers.

Collections Development Policy (PDF) [557KB]

Main collection

Museum staff are happy to consider all objects relating to Chichester and the surrounding district for entry into the museum's collections. If you would like to donate an object to the museum please contact us first. This will enable us to ensure that the correct staff are able to assist you with your enquiry.

The museum has a very clear set of guidelines on what can and cannot be accepted. It is unlikely that an object not relating to Chichester or the surrounding district will be accepted into the main collections.

Handling collection

The Handling Collection is the museum's collection of objects that we use with schools, interactive displays and other 'hands on' purposes. Objects can be borrowed by schools and individuals.

The museum is happy to accept objects into the Handling Collection that are not necessarily related to Chichester and the surrounding district. If not for our Handling Collection, the museum would not be able to provide its award-winning learning programme, which includes Loan Boxes and Handling Sessions.

For further information, please contact us at thenovium@chichester.gov.uk.