Help Us Build The Basketball Museum of Illinois

Donate or loan Illinois basketball memorabilia, photos, and video for our exhibit cases and rotating displays.


Statewide Call for Content and Artifacts

In addition to historic photos and videos, we're looking for items ranging from vintage basketballs and uniforms to warm-ups, letter sweaters and other assorted memorabilia.

The Basketball Museum of Illinois belongs to the whole state… and your story is part of it.

Submit a photo and short description

Include a picture of the item and a brief (1-2 sentences) description

We confirm exhibit fit before anything is sent

Donation or loan, you choose

Specify if you would like to donate the item or prefer to loan, and if the latter, when you'd like the item returned.

What To Submit

Artifacts

  • Balls, uniforms, warm-ups

  • Letter sweaters, trophies, signage

  • Equipment, seating, scoreboard items

  • One-of-a-kind memorabilia

Content

  • Historic photos

  • Video footage

  • Programs, tickets, clippings

  • Stories, names, teams, years

Built by Communities, Powered by Basketball

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Across Illinois’ 102 counties and 800+ IHSA member high schools, and nearly 90 college programs, basketball is everywhere. With 719 schools in the boys state series and 653 teams entered in the girls series this season, the game connects communities statewide, and behind every artifact are countless stories and memories worth preserving.

Museum Preview

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Items Already Collected

  • 1920 State Championship game ball (program from this game too)
  • 1950 scoreboard from Springfield Armory
  • 1952 map showing 16 teams with red light for the champs from Hebron
  • Television videotape of the 1958 State Championship game 
  • Seats (6) from the Huff Gym
  • Seats (2) from the Mount Vernon gym
  • Ball signed by all 5 starters from Loyola’s 1964 NCAA champs (50th anniversary signing)
  • Vintage ball signed by Michael Jordan before his megastar days
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Frequently asked questions

What happens after I submit the form?

You will receive a confirmation message, then our team will review your submission and follow up with next steps. If the item is a fit, we will coordinate drop-off or shipping instructions and any required documentation.

Can I loan an item instead of donating?

Yes. You can choose loan on the submission form. Loans are documented, safely stored, and returned based on the timeline you request, once the display period ends.

Do I ship it right away?

Not yet. Please submit a photo and details first. Our team will review for exhibit fit and then send the correct next steps for drop-off or shipping.

What items are you most in need of?

We are looking for Illinois basketball history in all forms, including photos, video, programs, tickets, uniforms, balls, trophies, signage, equipment, and unique memorabilia. If you are unsure, submit it anyway. We will help assess it.

How does return timing work for loans?

If you choose a loan, we will confirm the display timeframe, document the item, and coordinate return logistics when the exhibit period is complete. You can include your preferred return timing in the form.

Can I submit multiple items?

Yes. You can submit multiple items. If you have a collection, you can either submit one form per item or submit one form and note “collection” in the description. We will follow up to organize details.

What if I don’t know the exact year?

That is okay. Share what you know, even if it is approximate, like a decade, school name, or a person connected to the item. We can often help fill in gaps during review.

Will my item be credited if it is displayed?

Yes. When an item is accepted for display, we will confirm how you would like to be acknowledged, such as your name, family name, or “Anonymous.”