GLASS & ARTIFACT DONATION FAQ
We thank you for your interest in donating an artifact to the Heritage Glass Museum for future generations to enjoy. We are sensitive to the emotions attached to the objects donated to our Museum and respect for the donor’s feelings is always a consideration for us.
However, due to capacity issues related to the limitations of our storage and display area, our all-volunteer staff, and the costs of maintaining artifacts, the Heritage Glass Museum may not be able to accept your artifact donation. We also consider provenance, or who used it and when, the maker, the condition of the piece, its usefulness for exhibition or research, and duplication when determining whether to make the commitment to accept an artifact into our Collection to preserve for perpetuity.
Here’s what you need to know about Donating Artifacts to the Heritage Glass Museum:
What kind of things does our Museum accept?
The Heritage Glass Museum accepts into our Permanent Collection items which are directly related to the history and heritage of glass in Glassboro, NJ and in the South Jersey region. This means that we accept minimal archival materials (papers, ledgers, documents, etc.).
Other items may be considered for educational use or as exhibit props. We also accept items to sell within our Gift Shop, the proceeds of which help to support the programs of the Heritage Glass Museum.
We do not accept items that may have been stolen; Native American funerary items; items found in a National Forest, State Park, or National Park; or items that may be dangerous/volatile/toxic.
Will your artifact donation be on display?
Our Collection is too large to display everything at once. An artifact is chosen for display based on its relevance to the exhibit, its condition, and the particular item’s space/display/security needs. Therefore, we cannot promise that any specific item will be displayed, nor can we promise to display items for any particular period.
Can I have the donated artifact back later?
No. When an item is donated, the Heritage Glass Museum receives full title and copyright. Because the original donor is entitled to a tax deduction relative to the value of the artifact donated, we cannot return the item to the original donor so that neither Heritage Glass Museum nor the donor will be in danger of participating in tax fraud.
You won’t sell the artifact I donated, right?
Because our Collection is always growing, the Heritage Glass Museum may need to remove items from time to time. Items might be removed if they are determined to be unnecessary duplicates, irrelevant to our mission, excessively deteriorated or broken, dangerous/volatile/toxic, determined to be of questionable origin, or if the artifact’s preservation needs exceed our resources.
If the item is in good condition and would be suitable for another museum’s collection and mission, we would first offer it to them for its long-term care and use. Because the Heritage Glass Museum has full title to the donated item, we do reserve the option of selling the item. Please know that any money from the sale of items removed from our Permanent Collection will be used to support the Museum and its Collection.
Will you put my name on it to recognize me as the donor?
Yes, the Heritage Glass Museum will include your first and last name on the display label for the artifact, if you choose to be named as the donor. You may also request to remain anonymous. We do not share other donor information, such as your contact information.
Is this type of donation tax deductible?
It is possible. We recommend that you consult with a tax professional. The Heritage Glass Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and most types of donations to our non-profit are tax deductible. However, please keep in mind that the Heritage Glass Museum cannot legally provide valuations or appraisals to determine the value of an artifact. You should be able to have this done ahead of time prior to donating the item to us by contacting an official appraiser if you need a valuation price for tax reasons.
How will my donated artifact be used or stored?
Artifacts in our Permanent Collection may be used for exhibit display, educational activities, or kept in storage for use by visiting researchers. The artifact may be photographed or copied for research or promotional purposes.
When not on display, can I request to see my items?
Of course! Please give us a one-month advance notice by emailing us at info@heritageglassmuseum.org and we will be happy to remove the artifact in our Permanent Collection or from storage for you to view.
Please note!
The cost of preserving artifacts for perpetuity can be costly. Some examples of costs associated with preservation are listed below:
● Archivally sound storage and display supplies and furniture.
● Personnel to maintain thorough records.
● Computer equipment and software to host our Collections database and digital images.
● Restoration costs for damaged items.
