Making a Donation to the Collection
Historic Northampton preserves artifacts, photographs and documents relating to the history of Northampton.
How do I offer to donate an item to Historic Northampton?
Contact the Collections Manager, Kelsy Sinelnikov, by completing the online form or by email or telephone.
For an item to be considered for donation we request the following information:
- A photograph of the artifact (digital format is best) or a detailed description.
- Any information you have regarding the item: its history, past owners, use, etc.
- The donor’s name, address, email, and phone number.
Historic Northampton cannot accept items that are dropped-off or mailed without prior notice.
FAQs - Donating Objects and Records to Historic Northampton for the Museum Collection
Q. Can I just drop my donation off at the front desk?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept items dropped off or brought in without an appointment. Even if you do not want the item back, dropped off items often create storage, legal, ethical, and staff time issues for the museum.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept items dropped off or brought in without an appointment. Even if you do not want the item back, dropped off items often create storage, legal, ethical, and staff time issues for the museum.
Q. Does the Museum accept all donations?
Donations should fit with the Museum’s mission to collect and preserve Northampton history. Our main criteria for considering accepting an item into the collection includes the following:
Donations should fit with the Museum’s mission to collect and preserve Northampton history. Our main criteria for considering accepting an item into the collection includes the following:
- Relevance of the item to the mission of Historic Northampton.
- Donor must have the legal right to donate the item.
- Items relation to other items in the collection. For example, if we already have the item in the collection, we are unlikely to accept a duplicate.
- Condition of the item
- Availability of preservation resources such as storage space, conservation materials, and time.
- Extent and terms of any restrictions
- Duplication of items collected by other organizations such as libraries, museum, or historic organizations.
Q. What happens if my donation is accepted?
We will set up a time for you to bring the item or records to Historic Northampton. We will have you sign a Deed of Gift that transfers legal title of the gift to the museum. Information related to the object will be recorded, it will be numbered and cataloged, and carefully stored.
We will set up a time for you to bring the item or records to Historic Northampton. We will have you sign a Deed of Gift that transfers legal title of the gift to the museum. Information related to the object will be recorded, it will be numbered and cataloged, and carefully stored.
Q. What if I change my mind and would like the item returned to me?
Once the Deed of Gift has been signed items cannot be returned to the donor.
Once the Deed of Gift has been signed items cannot be returned to the donor.
Q. Can I visit my donation?
Certainly! However, we ask that you make an appointment in advance. We have a small staff and it takes time to retrieve records and physically move items to make them available for viewing.
Certainly! However, we ask that you make an appointment in advance. We have a small staff and it takes time to retrieve records and physically move items to make them available for viewing.
Q. Is my donation tax deductible?
The IRS allows individuals to deduct items donated to charitable organizations like Historic Northampton. Please contact a certified tax specialist for more information.
The IRS allows individuals to deduct items donated to charitable organizations like Historic Northampton. Please contact a certified tax specialist for more information.
Q. Can a museum staff member appraise my item?
According to Internal Revenue Service codes, benefiting institutions cannot provide appraisals or estimates. Appraisals are solely the responsibility of the donor. Please contact a certified appraiser if you are interested in this.
According to Internal Revenue Service codes, benefiting institutions cannot provide appraisals or estimates. Appraisals are solely the responsibility of the donor. Please contact a certified appraiser if you are interested in this.
Q. Will my object be on display?
Objects in the permanent collection are displayed based on current exhibit needs and conservation concerns. However, items in the permanent collection available to scholars and the general public by advance appointment.
Objects in the permanent collection are displayed based on current exhibit needs and conservation concerns. However, items in the permanent collection available to scholars and the general public by advance appointment.
Q. Other Questions?
Please contact Kelsy Sinelnikov at ksinelnikov@historicnorthampton.org or 413-584-6011.
Please contact Kelsy Sinelnikov at ksinelnikov@historicnorthampton.org or 413-584-6011.