CHM stewards the world’s leading collection and archive chronicling the history and impact of computing and technological innovation with over 140,000 cataloged 3D objects, archival collections, and software. Our current collecting focus is aimed at pursuing new trends in computing and locating specific artifacts not yet represented in our extensive collection. Therefore, CHM is no longer accepting donations of commercially available books, PC software, or periodicals. All choices must be deliberate and sustainable, thus historical materials are accepted after careful consideration by a team of curators and museum professionals.

CHM is interested in collections of unique primary source materials in the form of personal papers or organizational records, hardware artifacts that illustrate significant engineering developments or showcase innovative design, and source code. CHM is committed to diversity and social justice and is actively seeking materials related to these topics for our permanent collection.

Thank you in advance for understanding that donations can only be accepted by appointment at our off-site storage facility and for your patience as we review your offer. We value our artifact donors and the effort you have made to contact us. Thank you for considering CHM as the repository for your saved items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I donate materials to the collection?

Can I mail or drop off a donation?

How are potential donations reviewed?

How long does it take for CHM to review donation offers?

How do I donate materials to the collection?

If you have historical materials that you believe would complement CHM’s collection, please contact us using the form below. To assist us in our review of your donation offer, please describe your proposed donation, including an item name or title, its size, location, condition, history, and a digital photo(s). The more information you provide, the better we can evaluate your item(s).

Can I mail or drop off a donation?

CHM does not accept unsolicited donations through the mail or in person. Item(s) mailed or dropped off at CHM will not be considered for inclusion in CHM’s collection.

How are potential donations reviewed?

Donation offers are reviewed by a team of curators, archivists, and museum registrars. The team are experts in computing history, archival practices, and preservation. All donation offers are reviewed based on historical interest as outlined in our Collecting Plan, condition and completeness of the item(s) offered, our ability to make the potential donation accessible to the public in a reasonable time frame, and the availability of resources required to store and care properly for the item(s). The sensitive nature of materials or copyright concerns may also factor into our decision.

How long does it take for CHM to review donation offers?

The team takes about a month to review donation offers. During the month we may also ask for additional details concerning the item(s) on offer. If your offer is accepted into the collection, our registrar will contact you to make arrangements for the items to come to CHM’s off-site storage facility (not our main headquarters in Mountain View, CA). When the item(s) reaches CHM, we will issue an Incoming Receipt. After we review the item(s) we will send out a Deed of Gift. The Deed of Gift legally transfers the property to CHM. Your copy of the Deed is proof that you donated the item(s) to CHM and can be used for tax purposes. If we fail to notify you within 30 days of your offer, we have reviewed the offer and decided the item(s) are duplicates items already in the collection or out-of-scope with our Collecting Plan.