Donate to the Museum Collection

The Hi-Desert Nature Museum's collections have grown through the generosity of community members, local families, and supporters who have helped preserve the history and natural heritage of the High Desert.

As an active collecting institution, the Museum continues to acquire significant objects that document the history, culture, and natural environment of the High Desert and Morongo Basin. These collections support exhibitions, research, and educational programs for our visitors.

Items We Are Currently Seeking

We are especially interested in donations of:

• Photographs, publications, and documents related to local sites, events, or historic figures dating before 1970
• Artifacts associated with local sites, events, or historic figures dating before 1970
• Memorabilia from local events, including Grubstake celebrations
• Artifacts related to homesteading, ranching, and mining in the Mojave Desert
• Original artwork by Henry Mockel, Kirk Martin, Howard Pierce, and John Hilton
• Hi-Desert Nature Museum memorabilia

This list is intended as a guide and is not exhaustive. We welcome inquiries about other items that may be appropriate for the Museum's collection.

How to Donate

If you are interested in donating an item, please contact Charlie Rossow, Museum Collections & Exhibits Coordinator, by email at crossow@yucca-valley.org. Include a brief description of the item(s) along with photographs, if available. You may also call the Museum at (760) 369-7212.

Donation Review Process

All potential donations are reviewed through the Museum's formal accession process, which includes documentation and approval by the Town of Yucca Valley's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission. To be considered for the permanent collection, all donated items must be legally owned by the donor and ethically acquired.

Native American Cultural Items

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Hi-Desert Nature Museum is conducting a survey of cultural items in its collection that may be affiliated with local Tribal communities. At this time, the Museum is not accepting donations of Native American cultural objects.