Collections
The Museum’s collections preserve significant primary source material for interpreting the history of African Americans who helped to develop the American West, with a focus on Denver and Colorado.
The collections provide basic source materials for historical, ethnographic, and archaeological research; for writing and illustrating scholarly and popular books, monographs, and articles that advance and disseminate knowledge; and as sources of artistic productivity.
We are currently not accepting any donations for the collections.
Explore the Collections
Under a grant from the Institute for Museums and Library Services, we have been hard at work on developing a full catalogue of the collections. Stay tuned for more!
​
Download the BAWMHC Collections Policy below.
Donate to the Collections
The Museum’s principal collecting emphasis focuses on the history of the contributions of African Americans to the development of Colorado and the American West. In particular, the BAWMHC will accept only distinguished items that relate directly to the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the Black American West.
The Museum provides protection and storage for those objects under conditions that best ensure their availability for exhibit, educational programming, and research.
We are currently not accepting any donations. After June of 2025, if you would like to donate an item in the future, please send an email with a brief description and photograph. See the Receipt for Deposit form below, if you are leaving an item for examination. See the Deed of Gift form below, if you are donating an item.
​
Do not leave any items at the Museum. Such items are considered abandoned property and disposed of.
Photo Use and Reproduction
The Museum has hundreds of historic images, which may be purchased for reproduction and use.
Download the request form below.
Borrow from the Collections
​The Museum regularly loans items from its collections to qualified institutions. For inquiries, please call (720) 242-7428.