GMAHS preserves and makes accessible a varied set of historical collections/displays that include art, furniture, china, books, textiles, antique band instruments, fans, buttons, hats, photographs, historical documents, and many more articles.
The goal of the GMAHS Collection activity is to feature items that have a documented historical connection to Milford or to Promont. In addition, GMAHS may also accept unrelated collection donations if there is an opportunity to sell them as a funding resource for the program.
Collections are displayed within Promont on a rotational basis; used in external exhibits; and, can serve as a source of historical research on specific topics.
Community displays include:
- Miami Township Civic Center – a variety of vintage items
- City of Milford Administration Building/Hodges Conference room, first floor – items sent to the (then) Village of Milford by the Office of Civil Defense during the Cold War era.
- Promont – vintage teacup display, featuring a collection of “mustache” teacups.
Collections of Specific Note
Quilts – quilts from the Gatch-Greeno family donated to GMAHS by Nora Lee Gatch. Two of the quilts also have a connection to the Leaf family, a long established Milford family.
Furniture – currently on loan are several furniture pieces from the Rev. Philip Gatch family. Of particular interest is a secretary bookcase desk, or plantation-style desk, that was made in Clermont County or Cincinnati prior to 1840. Included in the collection are two Limbert arts and crafts chairs, circa 1890-1900 that were used in the Gatch kitchen; two pictures of Mrs. Gatch; an early hickory chair and comb-back Windsor chair that traveled with the family from Virginia.
Donations
GMAHS welcomes inquiries about potential donations. To make an inquiry, email our acquisitions coordinator, Diana Kuhnell, at dimouse@fuse.net. Diana will work with you to determine if your proposed donation meets the goals of the Collections program.
Transferring Materials to GMAHS
Once the Society agrees to accept a donation, an appointment will be set to accept the delivery. GMAHS requests that you sign a ‘deed of gift’ that includes a brief description of the items and an estimated (not official) value of the donation. It is the responsibility of the donor to determine if the donation meets the guidelines for a personal tax deduction. If an official appraisal is desired, the donor will need to make arrangements with an authorized appraiser for review and documentation.