Collections FAQs
Does the Frazier History Museum accept donations of items for the collection?
The Frazier History Museum relies on the generosity of donors to expand and refine its collection in accordance with the mission of the museum to “Ignite the human spirit with thoughtfully crafted stories to spark curiosity about who we are and our connection to the future.”
All items offered to the Museum are carefully reviewed by staff and our Collections Committee before they are accepted into the collection. To assist with the review process, donors are asked to provide information on the items and photographs. These can be provided here.
Items brought into the museum without contacting staff first will not be accepted.
Does the Frazier History Museum purchase items?
The Frazier History Museum does on occasion purchase items for its collection. Unfortunately, as a non for profit, the museum has a very small budget for purchases and is not often able to purchase items.
What is a Temporary Custody Receipt?
When you schedule to drop off a potential donation, you will be asked to fill out a Temporary Custody receipt. This form indicates that you have dropped off an item to be considered for the Frazier’s permanent collection. If the item is accepted by the Collections Committee, you will be sent a Deed of Gift form in the mail to be signed and returned. This is the legal document which transfers ownership to the museum. If your item is not accepted by the Committee, a Collections Staff member will contact you about scheduling a pick-up.
Why do I have to fill out paperwork for my donation?
All donations MUST have signed paperwork in order to become part of the Museum’s collection. The donor may choose to remain anonymous, but we still must have signed paperwork to prove that the item belongs to the Museum, no matter what the donation is. The Deed of Gift is the legal transaction of the item being gifted to the Museum.
What if I change my mind?
Once the Deed of Gift has been signed, donations cannot be returned to the donor. Please do not offer items for donation to the Museum if you are not sure you want to donate.
When will my donation be on exhibit?
Space limitations, exhibits schedules, and preservation concerns dictate that we cannot display all our collection at once. There are many artifacts that should not be exhibited frequently to protect them from handling, exposure to light, and other potentially harmful things. When your donation is on display, the Museum can reach to let you know it is being exhibited.
Will my donation ever be loaned to someone else?
Artifacts from the permanent collection may be loaned to other museums or cultural institutions, but only those that adhere to the exact same standards of professional practice. The Museum does not lend to private individuals. The Museum also requires that borrowing institutions provide insurance and facility reports for all items that are loaned.
Will I receive a tax deduction for my donation?
Your donation is tax-deductible. The Code of Ethics written by the Alliance of American Museums (AAM) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) prohibits museum professionals from engaging in appraisal-related activities. For your own records, we recommend that you obtain an independent appraisal. Your signed Deed of Gift serves as proof of your donation for tax purposes.
Can the Frazier History Museum give appraisals for my personal collection or for any donations?
The Frazier History Museum cannot appraise items, give monetary valuation information to the public, or authenticate items for guests or visitors. The Code of Ethics from the American Alliance of Museums prohibits museum professionals from engaging in appraisal-related activities. This is to prevent a potential conflict of interest, by overvaluing or undervaluing items.
Where can I find an appraiser and/or conservator?
The Frazier History Museum does not officially endorse any of the companies listed below. You can contact the following companies to find an appraiser and/or conservator.
American Society of Appraisers
11107 Sunset Hills Road
Suite 310
Reston, VA 20190
800-272-8258
asainfo@appraisers.org
American Institute for Conservation
727 15th St. NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
202-452.9545
culturalheritage.org
Appraisers Association of America, Inc.
212 West 35th Street
11th Floor South
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 889-5404
Fax: (212) 889-5503
www.appraisersassoc.org
International Society of Appraisers
Riverview Plaza Office Park
16040 Christensen Road, Suite 102
Seattle, WA 98188-2929
Phone: (206) 241-0359
Fax: (206)241-0436
www.isa-appraisers.org