Answers to questions regarding donating artifacts to the Museum's collection.
The Museum does not accept unsolicited objects either through the mail or dropped off in person. Materials sent unsolicited will be considered abandoned, giving the Museum discretion to return to sender or dispose of materials as it sees fit. Object donors must first discuss and arrange all aspects of the donation process with Collections & Exhibitions staff once materials have been formally approved for donation. Write to collections@mjhnyc.org for more information or to begin the donation process.
The Museum’s community in New York and around the world plays a major role in enriching our collections. It is a privilege to provide a home for objects pertaining to the periods immediately before, during, and after the Holocaust. We collect documents, photographs, textiles, artworks and other objects made, owned, or used by Jewish people during these time periods, especially objects with a substantial connection to Holocaust history.
How do I donate an object to the Museum?
Please contact collections@mjhnyc.org with the subject line Object Donation Inquiry and include the following information:
- Description of the object(s)
- Date and place the object was made, if known
- Biographical information about the original owner of the object, if known
- Provenance (Who was the original owner of the object? How did you obtain the object?)
- Images of the object(s)
- Your contact details, including phone number and email address as well as current location of the materials on offer
Write to collections@mjhnyc.org for more information or to begin the donation process. Unsolicited donations by mail or left in person are not accepted. The Museum reserves the right to return to sender or dispose of materials as it sees fit.
Will my donation be on display?
Our focus is to preserve and protect our Collection for future generations. We strive to display as much as possible; not all objects will be displayed.
Does the Museum purchase collections?
The Museum is committed to preserving items related to our mission. Our Collection is largely composed of tax-deductible donations.
What is the donation process?
After we have approved an object for acquisition, we schedule an intake visit for the donor to hand-carry the object, when possible; otherwise, we schedule a fine art shipment to bring the object to the Museum. At our intake, or through mail if necessary, we present a Deed of Gift document for signature which performs the legal transfer of ownership. We require a signed Deed of Gift for the object to be exhibited.
How does the Museum decide what to accept into its collection?
We focus on preserving items that represent life before, during and after the Holocaust. All donations will be considered, but we are unable to accept all the materials offered to us.
Currently, we are prioritizing areas of emerging scholarship, as well as seeking to include materials from underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, the disability community, individuals and families who fled to the Soviet Union during the Holocaust, as well as North African Jewish, Romaniote Jewish, Bukharan Jewish, Mountain Jew, and Greek Jewish communities, along with Sephardic and Mizrahi communities. We are also seeking objects that tell New York-specific stories.
What types of objects do we collect?
The Museum seeks to preserve items that represent personal memories and experiences, and gives preference to objects whose provenance and personal associations are clearly established, including: textiles, household objects, personal mementos, Judaica, toys, musical instruments, diaries and memoirs, posters, documents and photographs, and other visual materials.
Is a gift to the Museum’s Collection tax-deductible?
Yes, we are a non-profit, 501(c)(3). However, we cannot provide appraisals. Please consult with your accountant or attorney to ensure you have complied with the Internal Revenue Service’s requirements regarding gifts of tangible property to charitable institutions. Once your donation is accepted, we may be able to assist in making it available to your chosen appraiser, given sufficient notice.
For resources on locating appraisers, please visit ASA (Home (appraisers.org)) or the International Society of Appraisers (Home (isa-appraisers.org)).How do I donate books to the Museum’s library?
The Museum’s library is currently non-circulating and collecting new material very rarely.
Our library holdings include a comprehensive and geographically diverse selection of books on Holocaust history, as well as several first-edition Yizkor books.
If you have a demonstrated research need, we have a limited number of appointments at our library. Please email collections@mjhnyc.org.