The Charlotte Museum of History

Making Donations

How does the museum’s collection grow? The great majority of the museum’s collection has come to us through the generosity and foresight of people who want to see the story of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and its people preserved.

What the museum does collect:

Items that belonged to a local family, business or organization
Items that were made locally
Items or documents that mention local people, places or happenings

The museum is actively seeking artifacts that tell the story of Charlotte during the 18th and 19th centuries.

What the museum does not collect:

Historical artifacts from other parts of the country
Items that were purchased at an antique store or auction, where a local connection cannot be proven
Animal or plant specimens – these need to go to a natural history museum
Large machinery or furniture that would not fit into our limited storage space
Artwork - unless it depicts events or people of regional significance

Making a Donation:

If you have items of local or regional historical significance that you would like to donate to the museum, please call (704) 568-1774 during normal business hours and ask to speak to the curator.

When you call, describe what your items are and where they came from. You may be asked if you can provide photographs or copies for the curator to look at. If you cannot bring the items to the museum yourself, museum staff will want to visit you to see the items and either take them on temporary deposit or photograph them. Anything that is offered has to be evaluated for its condition and for its suitability to our mission and programming.

If the museum decides to keep your items you will be asked to sign a gift agreement which says that you are the legal owner of this item or collection, and that you are transferring all interest in and ownership of it to the museum. As a charitable donation, your gift is tax-deductible; however, the museum is not allowed to tell you what your items are worth. Speak to your tax preparer about how to establish the value of a donation.

Please be aware that donations do not go on exhibit right away, and that the museum cannot guarantee permanent exhibition of any items. Some objects are used for research or in educational programs rather than in exhibits. However, you may rest assured that your old treasures will take on new life as part of a growing documentary of the life and history of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.


	Making Donations How does the museum’s collection grow? The great majority of the museum’s collection has come to us through the generosity and foresight of people who want to see the story of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and its people preserved. *What the museum does* collect: Items that belonged to a local family, business or organization Items that were made locally Items or documents that mention local people, places or happenings The museum is actively seeking artifacts that tell the story of Charlotte during the 18th and 19th centuries. What the museum does not collect: Historical artifacts from other parts of the country Items that were purchased at an antique store or auction, where a local connection cannot be proven Animal or plant specimens – these need to go to a natural history museum Large machinery or furniture that would not fit into our limited storage space Artwork - unless it depicts events or people of regional significance Making a Donation:** If you have items of local or regional historical significance that you would like to donate to the museum, please call (704) 568-1774 during normal business hours and ask to speak to the curator. When you call, describe what your items are and where they came from. You may be asked if you can provide photographs or copies for the curator to look at. If you cannot bring the items to the museum yourself, museum staff will want to visit you to see the items and either take them on temporary deposit or photograph them. Anything that is offered has to be evaluated for its condition and for its suitability to our mission and programming. If the museum decides to keep your items you will be asked to sign a gift agreement which says that you are the legal owner of this item or collection, and that you are transferring all interest in and ownership of it to the museum. As a charitable donation, your gift is tax-deductible; however, the museum is not allowed to tell you what your items are worth. Speak to your tax preparer about how to establish the value of a donation. Please be aware that donations do not go on exhibit right away, and that the museum cannot guarantee permanent exhibition of any items. Some objects are used for research or in educational programs rather than in exhibits. However, you may rest assured that your old treasures will take on new life as part of a growing documentary of the life and history of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.