GERMAN VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

2023 Season Exhibits

During our renovation, we found many treasures that we didn't know we had. These two portraits were found at the bottom of a drawer in the dining room. They had actually been used as signs that said, "Keep Out"! We couldn't find any paperwork on our two mystery portraits. If you can identify either of these two people please contact us. We would love to be able to identify these two individuals.

Collections at the German Valley Historical Society Museum

•A new Research Room has been created: "Come and Discover Your Past"

•Old Photographs of the German Valley Area

•Historic Farm, Business, Firefighting, and Homemaking Items in our Barn

•School Yearbooks and Photographs from the Pleasant Prairie Academy and German Valley Grade Schools

•Homemaking Tools of the Past in the Kitchen

•19th and 20th Century Wedding Dresses

•Glassware and Decor

Written Histories of German Valley by Donna Smith

German Valley Area Veterans

Artifact Donation and FAQ

The German Valley Historical Society Museum is privileged to have many individuals in its locale who are willing to help us preserve the history of the German Valley area. Generally, we accept items that the Archives Committee deems consistent with the policies, programs, and best interests of the Museum. Below is a list of frequently asked questions in regard to making a donation to the museum.

Q: Does the German Valley Historical Society Museum accept all donations?

Regrettably, restrictions of space and resources prohibit us from accepting every item. Our first consideration is whether the object supports our mission. We concentrate on preserving items unique to the German Valley area including (but not limited to) German Valley-made products, photographs, military items, business, school, and church documents, and items belonging to people who lived in the area.

Q: How do I donate an object?

To inquire about making a donation please contact the museum through our email address. If it is decided that your object is appropriate for our collections, you will be asked to sign a “Deed of Gift Form” in which you give the museum possession of your object. The object then becomes a part of the German Valley Historical Society Museum’s permanent collection and will be cataloged and properly stored.

Q: What happens if my donation is not accepted?

If you do not want your object, the museum might use it for hands-on education or give it to another museum where it might be more appropriate to their mission.

Q: Will my donation be exhibited?

At any given time, only a portion of the museum’s collection is on exhibit. There is no guarantee that your donation will be exhibited, but we would be happy to discuss how we might use your particular object with you.

Q: Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, but the German Valley Historical Society Museum cannot determine the value of the object for you.

Q: Does the German Valley Historical Society Museum accept items on loan?

No, we do not accept items on loan.