Is my donation going to be immediately publicly accessible or displayed on exhibit?
Information about materials in the Permanent Collection is accessed through Collections Search. Researchers may request access to original materials, which are only accessible at the Museum’s David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center in Bowie, Maryland. Researchers must make advance reservations. For more information, consult the Plan A Research Visit page.
The Museum does not promise that items donated to the Collection will be exhibited. In documenting how and why the Holocaust happened, the Museum depends on a large, diverse collection. Only a small percentage can ever be displayed on exhibit. When new materials are accessioned into the Permanent Collection, they may become available to staff and researchers working on various projects over time.
The Museum is in a race against time to rescue the evidence of the Holocaust, including home movies and amateur films taken before, during, and immediately after the Holocaust.
Where will my collection be if it is not on display?
The Museum’s Collections are permanently housed at the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center in Bowie, Maryland. This state-of-the-art facility features highly specialized laboratories and climate-controlled environments where various media are treated and preserved.
Does the Museum purchase collections?
The Museum’s budget is limited and relies primarily on donations from individuals or institutions. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Museum purchase collections or historic materials.
What is the donation process?
The Museum receives a high volume of offers. Each offer is reviewed and carefully considered through a rigorous process, and we only accept a small percentage of the donations offered.
The first step is to contact a Collections Curator through curator@ushmm.org. This will commence reviewing and discussing your material with a Collections Curator. You may be asked to provide images and information about your collection to determine the best next steps.
Do not send or bring your collection to the Museum without prior approval and specific instructions from the curators. The Museum may dispose of, return, or retain unsolicited donations at its sole discretion.
Material accepted for accession into the Collection will require a completed Deed of Gift agreement. This important document states that you are:
Legally and permanently transferring physical materials to the Museum
Establishes the credit line
Details your decision on transferring the copyright of the contents.
Materials cannot be made available for exhibition, research, or publication until a legal Deed of Gift agreement has been executed, signed, and returned to the Museum.
Does the Museum take long-term or permanent loans?
No. The Museum will not borrow collections or artifacts on loan indefinitely or permanently.
What if my donation is not accepted?
You may wish to consider using the following resources to contact another organization:
Please understand that each organization has different collecting policies, so it is best to speak with them individually regarding your materials.
Does the Museum loan material to other organizations?
The Museum lends materials from the Collection and borrows Holocaust-related materials for specific exhibition purposes as part of its mission of Holocaust education. This mission is to encourage and develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the Holocaust and Holocaust-related materials. Learn more information about inter-Museum loans.
Will the Museum translate my material?
No. The Museum does not provide translation services.
Will the Museum digitize my material?
The Museum aspires to image the entire Collection and make those materials accessible through Collections Search in time. However, we cannot give any timeline when and if a particular collection will be imaged and accessible. If you wish to have digital images or copies of your collection, we strongly encourage you to complete this before donating your material.
Before digitization, anyone could register as a researcher and order the materials (excluding 3-D objects) to view in the reading room at the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections, Conservation and Research Center in Bowie, Maryland. Learn more about researching the collections.
Is a gift to the Museum's Collection tax-deductible?
Yes. You may wish to consult your accountant to ensure that you have complied with the Internal Revenue Service’s requirements regarding gifts of tangible property to charitable institutions. As a non-profit, federal institution, Museum staff may not provide you with an appraisal.
Can the Museum tell me the value of my collection?
No. As a non-profit, federal institution, Museum staff do not appraise or evaluate materials. We cannot provide you with information about the appraisal process or cost. We encourage you to speak directly with an appraiser. The following websites provide information about appraisers:
This Section
Look through a curated list of frequently searched collection types and themes.