Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see an object that is not on display at my local museum but know its in the collections?

We have over 100,000 objects in Aberdeenshire Heritage Collections and it would be impossible to have them all on display at any one time. It is most likely that the object you are looking for is in storage at our new museums storage facility at Mintlaw, or touring another museum. Appointments can be made to view objects, please see our Access Policy for guidelines and call our HQ on 01779 622807 to make an appointment.

I have an object that I found in my loft and would like to donate it to the collections, what do I do?

We are most appreciative of all donations and loans to the collections. We accept these as in accordance with our collecting policy. See also Aberdeenshire Council - Museums - Services. Please either take the object to your nearest museum in Aberdeenshire or call our HQ on 01779 622807. Please note we do not do valuations on objects.

I would like to become involved in volunteering at my local museum. How do I go about this?

We are always trying to encourage people to get involved in their heritage and there are many opportunities to volunteer at any of our museums and heritage centres. Activities that volunteers can become involved with include, exhibition and display work, oral history projects and educational workshops. Aberdeenshire Council - Museums - Become a Volunteer

However we try and tailor the volunteer to activities that they are interested in. We are also at present trying to establish a "Friends of Aberdeenshire Museums" organisation. Therefore, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local museum to express an interest or again at our museums HQ on 01779 622807.

I have been given an object by a late relative. I don't wish to donate it but would like to find out its history.

We have an object identification service that can help you with this. Aberdeenshire Council - Museums - Services

If you still require any further information on any of our services, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Call us on 01779 622807 or e-mail us at museums@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.