Who donates to The ArQuives?
YOU DO! We are interested in preserving the records and legacy of 2SLGBTQIA+ stories and lives, and we welcome your legacy to become part of ours. We recognize that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is rich and complex, and we especially welcome stories from those who have not traditionally seen themselves reflected in The ArQuives’ collections, including those who identify as Indigenous, women, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities.
The ArQuives is committed to an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming donation process that provides reasonable accommodations to all donors. Please contact archivist@arquives.ca if you require any accommodations in the donation process.
We need you now more than ever.
Interested in donating?
Our collecting interests include, but are not necessarily limited to, materials related to the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience in Canada. However, there are no strict geographic or date limitations. Material in any format may be donated as long as it can be reasonably accommodated and preserved, including:
- Artifacts
- Audiovisual materials
- Books
- Clothing & costumes
- Correspondence
- Digital records
- Journals
- Newspapers
- Periodicals
- Personal & organizational records
- Photographic materials
- Posters & flyers
- Visual art
Preparing materials?
If you are considering donating materials such as books, magazines, newsletter or artifacts to The ArQuives, please compile a list or briefly describe the items and send it to archivist@arquives.ca and we will get back to you.
The more organization and documentation you can provide, the easier it will be for us to process your donation accurately and in a timely manner. You do not need to follow any particular format. Some examples of helpful documentation are included in the downloadable donation guide.
Dropping off material
If you can bring your materials in person, our staff will arrange a drop-off time at The ArQuives, located at 34 Isabella Street in Toronto, Ontario.
If you will be shipping your materials to The ArQuives, our staff will discuss shipping options with you. For digital materials, you may transfer your materials through either:
- A secure digital transfer (Google Drive, WeTransfer, or any other platform you prefer)
- By donating your own zip drive or hard drive containing your materials.
We can discuss alternative accommodations based on your needs.
Not ready to part with your records just yet?
The ArQuives allows for the transfer of materials at a later date. Please contact archivist@arquives.ca if you would like to learn more about planning to make a donation in your will.
Thank You
When you make a material contribution to The ArQuives, you support the preservation of 2SLGBTQIA+ information.