Forms & Policies
Although our Museum is now also known as the Natural History Museum of Utah, Collections & Research will continue to use the UMNH acronym for all collections activities. Any question please email the UMNH Registrar's office at registrar@umnh.utah.edu.
Repository Forms
Anthropology repositors, please read Preparing Prehistoric Archaeological Collections for Reposit in preparation for application. Paleontology repositors please read Preparing Paleontological Collections for Reposit. Repositors will be held to the standards published at time of drop-off including repository fees.
1. UMNH Repository 2025 Agreements
The 2025 Repository Agreement Request Form is the first step in the process of entering into a repository agreement with UMNH. We must have an update of your organization’s last agreement to process a new year’s request. If collections were made under the previous year's agreement, an accession # request must be filed (see step 2 below) prior to a new year’s agreement request. Applications will not be processed without the submission of all pertinent information as detailed on form and payment of $100. fee. If your organization wishes to cover multiple branches/offices, there is a separate fee structure ($130) that will cover all U.S. branches. Please allow min. 2 weeks to process. Please apply early, to avoid delays.
Ensure you have read the appropriate Preparing Collections for Reposit documentation. Also review the Paleo Inventory Spreadsheet or the Anthro reposit template and instructions, as reviewing these templates now might save you time later.
2. Accession Number Request Form, Field Collection
Please note these forms are now specific to type of collection. Use these forms when requesting an accession number for fieldwork generated collections. The form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's office at the end of each annual field season if collections were generated. As a part of all submissions, a copy of your permit(s) must be attached. Allow at least two weeks for processing.
Paleontology accession # request — All Paleo submissions require a preliminary inventory, a template can be downloaded here as an Excel document. Only preliminary inventories in the template format will be accepted. This will need to be submitted via email to registrar@nhmu.utah.edu upon submission of accession request.
Anthropology accession # request — While a preliminary inventory is not required for Anthro submissions, please download the Anthro reposit template spreadsheet and instructions for use while prepping your collections for reposit. We also strongly recommend you use this photo template with instructions, as it will be essential for photographs of your project and it can be used as your photo log. These spreadsheets are both required at drop-off.
3. Reposited Collections Checklist Form (save & attach in email to submit)
The Anthro Reposited Collections Checklist Form or Paleo Reposited Collections Checklist Form (previously called the Inventory Form) acts as an invoice and checklist to accompany collections at drop-off. When you are ready to reposit collections, complete this form for each accession number assigned then email form(s) to the registrar and collection manager. Only with this information can we discuss scheduling an appointment for drop off. We require at least two weeks advance notice. Appointments must be scheduled so that BOTH the registrar and collection manager are present for drop-off, to ensure everything is in order. Generally there are no drop-offs scheduled for December. Finally, bring a copy of this form(s), a spreadsheet of all objects to be dropped off (organized by accession # and listed with box # and land ownership), associated record, required fees, and collections to your scheduled appointment at UMNH. Again, be advised, repositors will be held to the standards published at time of drop-off.
Vertebrate Zoology Curation Agreement Guide
Use the Vertebrate Zoology Curation Agreement Guide to initiate the process of long-term curation of vertebrate zoology material at UMNH. General criteria for acceptance include nature and quality of specimens and associated data, their research and educational potential, fulfillment of institutional objectives, and the availability of Museum resources are detailed herein. Requests for Curation Agreements must be reviewed and approved by the Curator of Vertebrate Zoology.
Consumptive Analysis Request Form
Use the Consumptive Analysis Request Form to request permission to conduct partial or complete consumptive/ destructive analysis using UMNH collections. Requests must be approved before loan paperwork can be processed. Submit a complete, typed, and signed form in conjunction with a current CV and research proposal to the appropriate Curator or the Registrar's office. The preferred file format is .pdf. Please do not submit document in Word or other word processing file formats.
NAGPRA Policy
UMNH has a duty to care for the remains and associated objects of ancestors located at the museum until such time they are claimed and repatriated to Tribal entities. All ancestors and their associated objects will be treated with sensitivity and respect. The Museum will not exhibit human remains or objects associated with burials. The Museum staff will continue to develop relationships with Tribal groups who have an interest in the collections. Furthermore, the Museum will remain in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and aim to uphold the letter and spirit of the law.
The full NAGPRA policy is currently being updated, and will be published here shortly.
CITES/ ESA Permit Request Form
Use the CITES/ESA Permit Request Form to request permission to use UMNH issued permits to internationally import/export any CITES listed endangered flora and fauna between CITES permitted institutions as part of a scientific exchange. Requests must be approved before permit documents will be made available for use. Submit a complete, signed form in conjunction with all the information in top right box of form to the appropriate Curator or the Registrar's office for review by the UMNH Collections and Research committee.
Image Reproduction Request Form
Use the Image Reproduction Request Form to request permission to use images of objects from the UMNH collections for electronic or printed publication. Please allow two - three weeks for processing. Submit a complete form to the Registrar's office.
FAQs-Potential Artifact or Specimen Donation