What to Know About Donating an Artifacts to the Heritage Glass Museum 

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 objects donated to the museum and respect for the donor’s feelings is always a consideration. However, due to capacity issues related to the limitations of storage and display area, an all-volunteer staff, and the costs of maintaining artifacts, the Heritage Glass Museum may not be able to accept the 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 the collection to preserve for perpetuity.

What kind of things do you accept?

We accept into our Permanent Collection items directly related to the history and heritage of glass in Glassboro and the South Jersey region. 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 for our Gift Shop, the proceeds of which 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 it 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 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 it back later?

When an item is donated, 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 it, right?

Because our collection is always growing, 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 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 collection.

Will you put my name on it recognizing me as the donor?

Yes, Heritage Glass Museum will include your name on the display label for the artifact if you choose. 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. Heritage Glass Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and most types of donations are tax deductible. Heritage Glass Museum cannot legally provide valuations or appraisals to determine the value of an artifact

How will my item 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 one-month advance notice and we will be happy to remove an artifact in our permanent collection 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