Donate an Object

Historic Northampton collects and preserves materials that help tell the story of Northampton and its people. Photo: Folding fan, circa 1780-1785. Historic Northampton (ID 51.63).
The collections team reviews potential donations carefully to ensure they fit Historic Northampton’s mission and can be properly cared for in perpetuity. Photo: Porcelain bowl owned by Major Joseph Hawley (1723-1788). Historic Northampton (ID 71.105).

Have an object, document, or other material connected to Northampton history?

Read below to learn what Historic Northampton collects.

How do I offer to donate an item to Historic Northampton’s collection?

Contact the Collections Manager, Kelsy Sinelnikov, by completing the online form or by email or telephone.

For an item to be considered for donation, please provide:

  • A photograph of the artifact (digital format is best)
  • A detailed description of the item
  • Any information you have about the item, including its history, past owners, use, or connection to Northampton
  • The donor’s name, address, email, and phone number

Contact Us About a Collection Donation

Please contact us before bringing or mailing items.

Historic Northampton cannot accept items that are dropped off or mailed without prior notice. This helps the museum manage storage, legal, ethical, and staff-time considerations responsibly.

COMPLETE FORM ONLINE
[Online Form Button]

BY EMAIL
ksinelnikov@historicnorthampton.org

CALL THE OFFICE
(413) 584-6011

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept items dropped off or brought in without an
appointment.

Even if you do not want the item back, dropped-off items often create storage, legal,
ethical, and staff time issues for the museum.

In keeping with Historic Northampton’s mission statement, the focus of the collections is on objects and records made or used in Northampton, Massachusetts that document its diverse history. 

Our main criteria for considering whether to accept an item into the collection include:

  1. Relevance of the item to the mission of Historic Northampton
  2. The donor’s legal right to donate the item
  3. The item’s relation to other items in the collection. For example, if we already
    have the item in the collection, we are unlikely to accept a duplicate
  4. Condition of the item
  5. Availability of preservation resources, such as storage space, conservation
    materials, and staff time
  6. Extent and terms of any restrictions
  7. Duplication of items collected by other organizations, such as libraries,
    museums, or historical organizations

We will set up a time for you to bring the item or records to Historic Northampton.

You will be asked to sign a Deed of Gift that transfers legal title of the gift to the museum. Information related to the object will be recorded, and the item will be numbered, cataloged, and carefully stored.

Once the Deed of Gift has been signed, items cannot be returned to the donor.

Certainly. However, we ask that you make an appointment in advance.

Historic Northampton has a small staff, and it takes time to retrieve records and physically move items to make them available for viewing.

The IRS allows individuals to deduct items donated to charitable organizations like Historic Northampton.

Please contact a certified tax specialist for more information.

According to Internal Revenue Service codes, benefiting institutions cannot provide appraisals or estimates. Appraisals are solely the responsibility of the donor.

Please contact a certified appraiser if you are interested in this.

Objects in the permanent collection are displayed based on current exhibit needs and conservation concerns.

Items in the permanent collection are available to scholars and the general public by advance appointment.

Please contact Kelsy Sinelnikov: ksinelnikov@historicnorthampton.org
Or call: (413) 584-6011.