Return to Naval Historical Center home page Return to Curator Branch



DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

How to Borrow Navy Historical Property

Prospective borrowers must show their eligibility and qualifications by submitting a written request at least 90 days in advance of the scheduled exhibit event.  This request should include but is not limited to:

• Command or organization name, with proof of eligibility
  • Government and military organizations should have the endorsement of the immediate superior in command
  • Non-government organizations must provide copies of their municipal incorporation, national affiliation, or non-profit status
• The name of the proposed thematic display or exhibition (such as sponsor or namesake; geographic or regional provenance; warfare community affiliation; mission or functional relationship)
• The beginning and end date(s) of the proposed exhibition or display
  • Veteran reunion groups may borrow items for the period of their reunion event (up to 30 calendar days)
  • Naval commands and units and the federal government may borrow items for up to three (3) years
  • Civilian non-government organizations may borrow items for up to five (5) years
  • Exhibit periods may be extended if the conditions for care and custody continue to be met and there is no overriding Navy requirement for this property elsewhere
• A list of proposed items to borrow from the Navy
• A presentation of additional information which, in the determination of the Naval Historical Center, indicates the capability of the recipient/borrower to provide the required care and security of the historical property for the duration of the loan. This includes but is not limited to:
  • A description of the existing facility (shore facilities must be at or near completion; historic vessels must be in their display berth)
  • A description of the display
  • A collections custody and care plan (collections management plan) which includes but is not limited to:
    • Exhibition
    • Custody
    • Physical preservation and security
    • Liability
    • Accountability, including a listing of the personnel responsible for the loaned items
    • Packing, shipping, and return/disposition
  • A copy of funding documentation. Federal, Department of Defense, and Navy guidance require the recipient/borrower to defray costs for borrowed items. This includes but is not limited to:
    • Exhibit preparation
    • Physical preservation and security
    • Liability and insurance
    • Accountability
    • Packing, shipping, and return/disposition
  • Civilian, non-government organizations must present insurance documentation showing the borrower's ability to assume liability for the items while in their custody, including in transit from and to the Naval Historical Center.

Civilian, non-government organizations may be asked to submit a facilities report in addition to the information requested above. 

Please see Conditions for the Custody and Care of Navy Historical Property for information on recipient responsibilities. 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