FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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I’m looking for information about my ancestor who served at Camp Shelby.

If you are seeking information, please use the Information Request form to submit your question to the museum staff. The first half-hour of research is a free service
of the Museum.

How do I donate artifacts or documents
to the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum?

You can start by filling out an Offer of Donation form. Please include as much detailed information as possible, including a description of the item, original owner, and any other information associated with the history of the item. After we receive your Offer of Donation form, we will make a decision to accept or decline the offer and contact you.

Can I just drop off or mail my artifact donation?

You can, but we would rather you did not drop off or mail donations without first submitting an Offer of Donation. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited donations left
at the Museum.

What kind of items does the Museum accept?

The Museum accepts 19th, 20th, and 21st Century objects, equipment, documents, and photographs with emphasis on the military service of Mississippians and the units and individuals who trained at Camp Shelby and other military installations in the State of Mississippi. Please consult the Wish List.

Does the museum accept everything that is offered?

Unfortunately, no. The Museum already has thousands of objects in storage. We cannot take duplicates of items already housed in the collections or items that do not relate to the Museum’s mission. If we accepted every item offered, we would soon run out of space and time to care for them properly.

I submitted an Offer of Donation. How long will it take
for the Museum to review my offer?

It generally takes between two and four weeks for the Museum to make a determination on an Offer of Donation.

My items were accepted for the Museum’s Education Collection.
What does that mean?

The Museum’s Education Collection contains objects designated for use with school groups and special events. Materials in this collection serve an important purpose and are well cared for. However, you should be aware that objects in the Education Collection are frequently handled by museum staff and visitors and are not given the same high level of care as with items in the Permanent Collection, so they deteriorate faster and are not be permanently preserved.

If I have a firearm to donate, are there any special steps I need to follow?

Yes, please see the special instructions for weapons here.

Will the artifacts I donated be displayed?

Not necessarily. Only a small percentage of the Museum’s collection is currently on display. However, each object in the collections is important. Objects are often placed in new and temporary exhibits and retrieved for research purposes.

I have a question not listed here. Who do I need to contact?

For further information, please contact the Museum Registrar,
Lisa Foster, at lisa.foster2@us.army.mil or (601)558-2337.

Can I use the Museum Archives for research purposes?

Yes, the Museum Archives are open to researchers, but only by appointment. Please call the Archivist at 601-558-2358 or christy.a.jones@us.army.mil to set up an appointment.

How long will it take for my research question to be answered?

Queries are usually answered in under a week.

How do I donate to the Museum Archives?.

Please see the guidance on the Donations FAQ Page.