Donations

To bring together the records of the past and to house them in buildings where they will be preserved for the use of men and women in the future, a Nation must believe in three things. It must believe in the past. It must believe in the future. It must, above all, believe in the capacity of its own people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgment in creating their own future.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, June 30, 1941

MAKING A FINANCIAL DONATION

Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum is a place that honors the courageous men and women from Winnebago County who've made sacrifices for our freedom. It's not just a museum; it's a living tribute to their stories.
We need your help. Donations keep this vital memorial alive. Your contribution ensures that future generations can learn about bravery and duty. Every dollar counts in preserving these important stories.
Join us in safeguarding the legacy of our heroes. Your donation is more than a gift; it's a promise to keep their spirit alive. Together, let us ensure that Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum stands as a timeless tribute to the extraordinary individuals who shaped our history. 
 Visit ... to contribute and be a part of this meaningful cause.
Thank you for making a difference.

 




DONATING ARTIFACTS TO VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL AND MUSEUM
 

Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum is Winnebago County’s oldest museum. It still serves its original mission of preserving the legacy of citizens from Rockford and Winnebago County who have served in American military forces. However, the museum staff must be selective about what material can be accepted into the collection, based on whether or not we already have an object in the collection, the condition of the object, and our ability to properly care for the object[s]. The museum has limited resources to repair or conserve new items coming in to the collection therefore we ask that items be in stable or good condition.

 

Please fill out the Potential Acquisition Receipt to bring with your item or contact our Curator for further information about a specific donation.



WE ARE ACCEPT ITEMS THAT ARE PART OF THE SERVICE STORY OF A ROCKFORD OR WINNEBAGO VETERAN
  • Ephemera 
  • Equipment
  • Memorial Or Coffin Flags
  • Unit Flags Or Flags From Occupation
  • Medals, Patches, and Insignia 
  • Photographs, Letters and Personal Journals
  • Pistols/Rifles/Weapons
  • Service Documents 
  • Uniforms 
THESE ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED ONLY AS PART OF A LARGER RELATED DONATION.
  • Footlockers
  • Ration Books 
  • Shadow Boxes 
  • Yearbooks, Unit Histories and Newsletters
Items accompanied by a photograph of the service person, a personal account of any length and/or copies of available service documents are more likely to be accepted for the permanent collection; however, every offer is considered on an individual basis. Items offered for donation are reviewed by a collections staff.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
  • Live Ammunition
  • Cots
  • Reunion Materials
  • Models (Tank, Ship, or Airplane) 
  • Souvenir Pamphlets
  • US 48 And 50 Star Flags, Flag Poles, Stands Or Pikes
  • Books, Newspapers, and Periodicals 
  • VHS/DVD/Movies

 

Downloads

Temporary Custody Receipt