While Newstead House appreciates the generosity of those wishing to donate, we kindly request that all prospective donors review the Museum Collection Criteria below and carefully consider whether an item might be suitable before making contact. This step is essential to help us maintain the usefulness of our collection to our goal of presenting engaging stories about the history of the house and its surrounds.

Items offered to the Newstead House collection should:

– complement and enhance the historic interpretation of Newstead House, during the Harris period (c1865 – 1890)

– be intact and in good condition

– be accompanied by documentation detailing their use and ownership history (provenance)

– not duplicate an item already in the collection

– not be from significant heritage places where acquisition and removal would diminish the significance of the place, except in circumstances where the item is at risk

– not come with restrictive conditions on their future use or display.

There is a detailed process followed to ensure all potential acquisitions are reviewed by the Newstead House Board for approval, following recommendations from the Curatorial/Acquisitions Committee.

At this time, the existing collection is far larger than needed to support the operations of a house museum. The Newstead House Board is committed to reducing the collection’s size to make it more sustainable to manage and to enhance the support it provides to visitor experience.

If you have any further questions, or believe your donation aligns with our collection criteria, please email us at collection@newsteadhouse.com.au with relevant details and clear photographs.