Overview
The Alberta government has millions of objects that represent the province’s natural, cultural, scientific, social, technological and political history. We acquire, maintain, preserve and hold in trust these objects for Albertans.
There is now a process for certain items to be transferred to institutions that share the goal of exhibiting, interpreting and preserving historical objects.
Who can apply
Only publicly-accessible non-profit museums, historical societies or similar organizations may request an object. First priority is given to institutions in Alberta, and secondly in Canada. Private individuals and private agencies are ineligible to apply.
Objects available for transfer
Organizations interested in acquiring any of the listed objects must complete a Transfer Request Form and email it to the staff member indicated in the documentation. Specific questions about an object can also be directed to the same staff member.
Transfer request form
Collections background
The vast majority of objects remain permanently in collections, however, there are exceptional circumstances when an item may be removed or deaccessioned from a collection.
An object may be removed from the collection if it is:
- not aligned with government mandate, goals or collecting priorities
- not significant or of lesser quality than a similar object in the collection
- incomplete, damaged or deteriorated beyond any useful purpose
- a copy, forgery, fake or incorrectly or improperly documented
- duplicate or over-represented item
- hazardous to people or other objects
- unable to be properly cared for
Collections management policy
The Collections Management Policy was developed to ensure that decisions are made within the context of a clear policy framework that is consistent across the Alberta government’s Heritage Division.
Contact
Connect with the Heritage Division:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-431-2300
Toll free: 310-0000 followed by the number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-427-5598
Email: [email protected]
Address:
8820 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P8