Thank you for your interest in donating items to the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology.
The Museum acquires new items for its permanent collection through the generosity of individual donations and/or bequests. In assessing potential donations, the Museum considers whether the items meet the following criteria: are relevant to the Museum’s mission; complement or strengthen existing collections; and can be given proper care. Acquired collections are used to support the Museum’s research activities, educational programs, and exhibitions. Please read the Museum’s Acquisitions Policy for additional information.
If you are interested in donating collections to the Museum, please contact our staff BEFORE you bring your items to the Museum. Please do not drop off or mail items without first contacting the Museum—we want to make sure that your potential gift is properly identified and cared for.
• Send an email to the Director, Curator, or Collections Manager. Please include your name, contact information, and a detailed description (include pictures) of the item(s) you would like to donate.
• Call the Director, Curator or Collections Manager. Please leave a detailed message with your name, contact information, and a detailed description of the item(s) you would like to donate.
• Send a letter to the Director, Curator or Collections Manager, Museum of Anthropological Archaeology, 610 E. University Ave., Room 3010 School of Education, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259. Please be sure to include your name, contact information, and a detailed description (include pictures) of the item(s) you would like to donate.
Guidelines for Donating Collections
Always make arrangements with Museum staff BEFORE bringing donations to the Museum. We have special procedures and legal paperwork that must be filled out to document all donations.
Donations offered to the Museum are reviewed by the curators and Director. Please be aware that we cannot accept every donation. Once the donation is reviewed, a member of the Museum staff will notify you if the donation has been accepted. If the items are accepted, the Collections Manager will contact you to schedule a day and time for you to bring the items to the Museum and to complete the required paperwork.
Donations to the University of Michigan are tax deductible. It is the responsibility of the donor to establish a value of their donation for tax purposes. The Museum of Anthropological Archaeology cannot appraise the value of any item or recommend specific appraisers. You may find a qualified appraiser by contacting the American Society of Appraisers.
