Archival Donations

Thank you for your interest in the NMD and for considering the museum as a repository for your possessions.

Find out more information about the archival donation process here.

The mission of the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry is inspiring the future of oral health through celebrating the heritage of the dental profession. To help achieve this mission, the NMD collects, researches, preserves, and interprets archival materials in accordance with our collections policy.

The archives chronicle the founding and advancements of dental education, technology, and professionalism, the personal and business records of innovators and agents of change within the dental community, and the overall progress of the dental profession from the 18th century through today.

Our archival holdings include textual documentation, correspondences, photographs, audiovisual materials, trade literature, patents, and more. This material provides invaluable insight into the foundation, professionalization, and continued progress of a profession, and the broad range of individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses that continue to make an impact on the dental world.

Condition

All donations to the museum must be clean and free of dirt, dust, grime, insects, cobwebs, etc. Offers received otherwise might be declined. If your donation is not in a condition that you would display in your home or office, then they are typically not in a condition that we can display or store in the museum. The museum does not retain conservation staff to address items in need of cleaning or conservation. If you believe your donation has significant historical value, but needs conserved, please email nmd@umaryland.edu to discuss funding possibilities for restoring your donation.

Appraisal

Appraisal of your donation can happen at any time prior to, during, or after the donation process. The museum cannot provide monetary valuations to donors, but we are happy to work with the appraiser of your choice.

Albumen Print Portrait of H A Parr - Dentist to Ulysses S Grant

Digital reproduction of a dental trade card with comic that reads - Home hints - You will find this an unfailing remedy for toothace. Pictured are two children, one with a toothache and his tooth tied to a doorknob

What we can & can’t accept

The NMD is happy to consider any offered donation that falls within our collecting criteria; however, our storage space is limited and there are legal and ethical considerations associated with each donation. In general, we collect items that relate to the dental profession, oral health, and the craniofacial complex of humans and animals.

Please contact us for more details, but here are a few important guidelines:

  • Donations must be made by the item(s)’s legal owner.
  • Historical material with documented histories, including who produced it, who owned it, and where and when it was used are preferred. The more information you have about your donation, the better we can share its story!
  • Donations with no missing parts, in their original condition, clean, and in generally stable condition at the time of donation are preferred. Exceptions can sometimes be made for material not meeting these conditions, please email nmd@umaryland.edu as soon as possible before donating.

Submit your donation request!

 

Thank you for your interest in the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry. We would not have the leading repository for dental history in the world without donations such as yours. We greatly appreciate your contribution to the history, understanding, and impact of the dental profession.

 

Contact Us

National Museum of Dentistry
31 S. Greene Street,
Baltimore, MD 21201

Click for directions

 

Patrick Cutter
Assistant Director
Phone: 410-706-0600
Email: pcutter@umaryland.edu

 

Dr. Scott Swank
Curator
Phone: 410-706-8704
Email: sswank@umaryland.edu

Hours & Admission

Wed-Friday 10am to 4pm

Individual:

Members, Military, UMB Community, Teachers, and Children (2 and under): FREE
Adults: $10
Seniors and Students: $5
Children (3-12): $5

Group:

Members, Military, UMB Community, Teachers, and Children (2 and under): FREE
Adults: $8
Seniors and Students: $5
Children: (3-12): $5

 

Donate

There are a number of ways you can show your support for the National Museum of Dentistry.

In addition to cash donations, which can be pledged by check or credit card, the NMD happily accepts gifts of stock, planned or deferred contributions, and in-kind services. To discuss giving options, please contact the SOD Development Office.

Looking to donate items to the NMD's collection, please visit our Collections and Archives page for more information.