Item Donation FAQs

We hope that these answers to commonly asked questions will make you more familiar with how Living History Farms handles the donation of items into its collections.

Q: Does the Museum accept all items offered for donation?

A: According to our Mission Statement, Living History Farms educates about “the many stories of Midwestern rural heritage.” Items offered to the museum must fit within that focus to be accepted into the collection and they must also meet certain criteria.

The most common reasons we decline donations:

• Items are outside the museum’s focus.
• Redundancy (we already have multiple copies).
• Poor condition (items that may tax our conservation resources).

Accepted items will go to our Permanent Collection.

Q: Does the museum accept Conditional Gifts or Permanent Loans?

A: No. Due to limited storage/exhibit space and conservation budget, Living History Farms avoids taking objects or collections donated with “conditions” or as a “permanent loan.”  Items on loan expose the Museum to severe insurance liability and cost. We may consider short term loans for exceptional objects required for temporary display in a specific exhibit.

Q: What is the donation process?

A: We ask that you contact our Curator of Collections, Archives, and Exhibits first to fill out paperwork. Items left without speaking to a staff person and signing paperwork will be considered abandoned and the sole property of Living History Farms to do with as they wish.

Q: Why do I have to fill out paperwork for my donation?

A: All donations must have signed paperwork to become part of the Museum’s collection, no matter how small the donation. This is necessary to legally document the transfer of items to Living History Farms.

Q: How soon will I know if my item(s) have been accepted?

A: We are aware that donors might need a timely decision sometimes. Please be aware that our decision process can take up to 90 days to complete. This is necessary so that we can make sure that we are avoiding redundancy and that we are able to properly store the item(s), particularly if they are pieces of equipment or furniture.

Q: What if I change my mind?

A: Once the Deed of Gift has been signed, donations cannot be returned to the donor. Please do not offer items for donation if you are not sure you want to give them to the Museum.

Q: What will the Museum do with my donation once it is accepted?

A: Your donation will be placed in the Permanent Collection. Donations to the Permanent Collection are designated for preservation and will be cared for according to museum standards and exhibited under safe and secure conditions.

Q: When will my donation be on exhibit?

A: The Museum only changes its exhibits occasionally; we cannot guarantee that your donation will be on view at any given time. Space limitations and conservation concerns dictate that we cannot exhibit all our artifacts at once. However, exhibits are not the only way a museum utilizes artifacts. We are a public institution, and our collections are made available, by appointment, for study by scholars, and members of the public.

Q: Can I take a tax deduction on my donation?

A: Yes! All gifts and donations to the museum are tax deductible. We are, however, forbidden by law to appraise objects. For your own records we recommend that you obtain an independent appraisal. Your signed Deed of Gift serves as your proof of donation.

Q: Do you accept books?

A: The Museum accepts books that pertain to rural life in the region of present-day Iowa from 1700 to the early 1900s. Any books donated which do not fit that focus will be sold with the proceeds benefiting the Museum and its programs.

Q: Does the Museum purchase objects?

A: Living History Farms rarely has the funds to purchase items for its collection. You are welcome to submit an inquiry to the Curator of Collections, Archives, and Exhibits about purchasing your object. Please include an image of the object(s), the asking price, and a detailed description including condition and provenance.