Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. (CFHS) Collection Policy

Mission Alignment:

The CFHS collection policy reflects the museum’s overall mission and goals of studying, commemorating, and preserving the unique and rich history of this late 18th through 20th-century industrial village through the preservation of architecture, art and artistry, cultural traditions, cultural landscape, lifeways, and foodways of the diverse workers.

Acquisition & Accessioning:

CFHS’s collection policy criteria for acceptance of new items includes the need for documentation (oral or written) that the object was either made or used in Catoctin Furnace or made or used by a Catoctin Furnace related family. This policy reflects the necessary relevance to the museum’s focus on iron making and early industry. All objects being considered for acceptance will be subject to thoughtful decision making regarding the relevance of the pending donation to the museum collection. A subcommittee of board members will consider all collection donations and respond to the prospective donor within 30 days. All donors must prove legal ownership of the object prior to acceptance. Finally, since some iron objects require immediate conservation, the condition of the object will be considered as well as the cost of conservation. In most cases, arrangements may be made for immediate conservation.

Object aquisition and accessioning inquiries should be directed to he Contact Form with a clear statement of purpose and we will follow with you regarding a subsequent request for request for further information.

Collections Care:

CFHS will preserve, protect, and maintain all accepted objects. This will include subjecting all donations to inventory, documentation, and conservation efforts. Documentation & Inventory: CFHS will record all objects and account for each in the museum collections database. This essential stewardship and object management process demonstrates CFHS’s commitment to responsible stewardship of objects that it holds for the benefit of the public.

Access & Use:

The CFHS museum collection is regularly made available to the public through exhibits within the structures of the historic village. Researchers are directed to the Catoctin Furnace.org website for research about their family as all data is uploaded to the website as soon as it is vetted.

Requests to study objects should be directed to fill out the Contact Form with a clear statement of intended purpose and need.

Loans:

CFHS does not loan or borrow objects from other institutions currently.

Deaccessioning & Disposal:

CFHS does not remove items from the collection currently.

Legal & Ethical Standards:

CFHS ensures that all collection activities comply with relevant laws and adhere to professional ethical codes and standards.

2025