Curator Branch Artifact Loan Program

Artifact Loan Program

Resource restrictions require that we limit new loan requests to official Navy and Department of Defense requesters only. Renewal of existing loans and processing of loan requests submitted for review prior to 1 March 2013 will be handled according to policies existing at that time. Thank you for your understanding as we focus our limited resources on preserving and conserving our priceless artifact collections.

The Curator Branch holds objects documenting and representing the history of the United States Navy. Lending artifacts and specimens for exhibition, research, and study is an integral part of the Naval Historical Center's goal to make collections accessible to the widest possible audience.

Historical materials may be made available on an "as is, where is" basis for loan to organizations that are eligible and qualified under the provisions of Federal statutes (including but not limited to Title 10 of the U.S. Code, Chapters 2572 and 7545 and Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 79); Department of Defense regulations; and Department of the Navy directives.

The Branch supports requests for specific thematic historical displays from Navy commands and museums. These include Federal agencies; State and municipal organizations and museums; memorial ships; veteran's groups; non-federal, non-profit organizations and museums; and National Capital Region short-term command quarterdeck displays. The Curator Branch is unable to honor requests for long-term generic or ceremonial quarterdeck materials, office decorations, and generic outdoor items.

Generally, items may be borrowed for display as specified below:

Veteran and ship reunion groups may borrow items for the period of their reunion event (up to 30 days);
Military and Government organizations may borrow items for up to three years;
Civilian non-government borrowers may borrow items for up to five years.

Loan periods may be renewed, provided that borrowers continue to perform the expected accountability and care, and the items are not required for other Naval Historical Center or Navy requirements.

Prospective borrowers should submit requests in writing at least 90 days in advance of their exhibition event to allow the Naval Historical Center to evaluate the request, locate items, and prepare them for shipment.

The volume of inquiries usually far exceeds the available staff resources, and this limits the number of requests that may be approved.

Please review the conditions specified in How to Borrow Historical Property and Conditions for the Custody and Care of Navy Historical Property before submitting your request. Any questions about loan of materials should be directed to:

Curator Branch
Naval Historical Center
805 Kidder Breese ST SE
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5060
(202) 433-2318; DSN 288-2220