Museum collections are an important source of DNA, particularly for rare or extinct species, or where historical perspective is required. However, museum specimens are a limited resource and sampling them for ancient DNA studies may restrict their future use for both geneticists and other researchers. To this end sampling methods that minimize damage to specimens are desirable in order to maintain the long-term integrity of museum collections. In this talk I review sampling techniques, which aim to minimize or avoid damage to specimens. I also present a non-destructive sampling technique for herbarium specimens and test its application and success in a range of plant species.