Donating items to Genesee Country Village & Museum

Mission Statement:

Genesee Country Village & Museum interprets 19th-century America life for the education and enjoyment of the public. With preservation and stewardship as core values, the Museum uses its historic buildings and gardens, landscapes, collections and work of art to create experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the contemporary world.

What we collect:

GCV&M's collections include approximately 20,000 objects dating from 1750-1915 relating to domestic life, fine arts, agriculture, transportation, and trades and professions (coopering, tinsmithing, blacksmithing, surveying, medicine, law, etc.). The museum collects manuscripts, documents, books, furniture, rugs, lighting devices; objects relating to food preparation, preservation and serving; heating equipment, household textiles, costumes and accessories, musical instruments, carriages and wagons, farming equipment, tools of various types, as well as prints and paintings that document 19th-century American life.

What we are actively seeking:

Nineteenth-century prints and paintings, silver and silver-plated flatware and serving pieces, glassware.

How to donate an object to GCV&M:

Thank you for your interest in the collections.  The museum judiciously and selectively acquires objects to fulfill its mission using the following criteria: 

• The object must support the museum's mission and fall within our time period, approximately 1785-1900.
• The object must fill a need in the museum's existing collections and not duplicate other objects.
• The object must be in good-to-excellent condition, be complete with all parts and generally in working order. Exceptions may be made if the object has very important historical value or is rare.
• The museum must be able to adequately care for the object.
• Objects that do not meet the above criteria may be accepted for active use in educational or living history programs with the donor's consent. 
• The Collections Committee must approve all donations.

1. Please call or email the curatorial department (Sabrina Henneman, associate registrar, Shenneman@gcv.org, 585-538-6824 ext. 255 or Patricia Tice, curator of John L. Wehle Art Gallery, Ptice@gcv.org, 585-538-6824 ext. 270).

If you are able to provide the following information, it will greatly assist the museum staff in making a decision:

• Object name
• Any marks or inscriptions
• History of the object if known, including

1. Who made, used or owned the object?
2. Where and when the object was made, purchased or used?
3. Are there any photographs, receipts, papers or related information that document the object? 

• Description of condition noting any damages, replaced or missing parts, original or repainted finishes.
• Photograph or digital image
• Your contact information, including the location of the object, if different.
• Legal owner of the object. This is particularly important for family heirlooms, which might have contested or joint ownership.
  

2. The Collections Committee regularly reviews proposed donations. In some cases, more research may be required before a decision can be reached, and donors will be informed of the status of their donation. In other instances, staff may schedule an appointment to examine the object or ask that the object be brought to the museum. Donors will receive a Temporary Custody receipt for objects left at the museum for evaluation. Please do not drop off objects without prior discussion with the curatorial department. Unsolicited objects and other materials will not be accepted.
   Upon acceptance of the donation by the Collections Committee, the collections staff will issue a Deed of Gift, a document that formally transfers ownership to the museum.  Please read the document carefully, sign both copies and return the original, keeping the donor copy for your files. Donor information and object history is maintained indefinitely, but please know that the museum does not normally exhibit objects with plaques bearing the donor's names.

How much is my object worth? How do I get a tax deduction?

To learn the financial value of your object, you must obtain an appraisal from a third party.  Federal law (1984 Tax Reform Act; Section 18, Subsection A, paragraph 2) prohibits museum staff from appraising donations due to legal conflicts. We recommend contacting one of the following organizations to help find qualified appraisers in your area:

• Appraisers Association of America  (212) 889-5404          www.appraisers.org
• American Society of Appraisers       (703) 478-2228          www.appraiserassoc.org
• International Society of Appraisers   (206) 241-0359          www.isa-appriasers.org

 
If you are interested in taking a tax deduction for your donation, the IRS requires a written appraisal provided by a qualified appraiser for all non-cash charitable deductions valued at $5,000 or greater. Donors must obtain appraisals no more than 60 days before the donation is made and before the due date of the tax return. For more information regarding donations and tax regulations, please contact your tax accountant.

Does the museum purchase objects?

Genesee Country Village & Museum has limited funds for purchasing artifacts. If you wish to offer an object for sale, please direct a letter to Sabrina Henneman, associate registrar, or Patricia Tice, curator, John L. Wehle Art Gallery, at Genesee Country Village & Museum, PO Box 310, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY 14511-0310. Please include the information noted about under "How to Donate to GCV&M."

Can I donate money for collection care or purchases?

Genesee Country Museum is grateful for financial support that will help us acquire needed objects and take care of the collections. Those who have interest in supporting these activities may contact the senior director of Programs and Collections.