National
Czech & Slovak
Museum & Library
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Donating Artifacts and Books

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Donations to the Artifact and Library Collections

Visitors frequently ask us about our donation procedures, what we accept into the artifact and library collections, why a past donation is not on exhibit, and other questions about the artifact and library collections. Ultimately, these individuals are referred to the mueum curator or librarian. These questions are asked frequently enough that we felt it would be worth addressing some of these questions.

What does the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library collect?

The Museum and Library collects items that enhance the understanding of Czech and Slovak history and culture, especially materials created by, for and about Czechs, Slovaks, Czech-Americans or Slovak-Americans. Several other factors are also taken into consideration when we consider whether to collect items, such as their physical condition and, in the case of large objects, whether there is ample space to care for them. Due to space constraints, we also try not to duplicate items already in the collections. This is especially true of the library, which has thousands of titles and very limited shelf space.

Artifacts that are collected include, but are not limited to:

Library materials that are collected include, but are not limited to:

How do I donate objects or books to the NCSML?

The process of donating items to the NCSML is actually quite simple and is as follows:

  1. Contact the curator or librarian to describe the donation offer. This provides museum staff an opportunity to make sure the offer is appropriate to the NCSML’s mission and that the items do not duplicate current holdings. This is especially important for library materials and the librarian may even request a list that includes title and author of each book. (The library holdings include literally thousands of titles but has limited shelf space; every effort is made to avoid duplicate materials.)
  2. Arrange for transfer of the items to the NCSML. Donors often prefer to deliver donations to the NCSML in person. When this is not possible, objects may be sent via standard U.S. mail, UPS, FedEx, or any other delivery service.
  3. Signed Certificate of Gift. Donors will be asked to sign a "Certificate of Gift" that transfers legal ownership of the items to the NCSML. (The NCSML has a formal "Collections Policy" that outlines strict guidelines for how objects in the collection are dealt with. Feel free to request a copy of this document.)
  4. Additional information is appreciated: Objects of a personal nature (such as immigrant items, textiles, etc.) often have unique stories associated with them. Please provide as much of this information to the NCSML as possible, preferably in writing. For example, if donating an immigrant trunk please record what you know about the names, origins, occupations, dates, etc. of the people who brought it to U.S. In the case of a folk costume, record what is known about who made it, wore it, brought it to the U.S., etc. This information is invaluable to researchers and for interpreting the objects in exhibitions.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Artifact and book donations to the NCSML are tax deductible. Unfortunately staff members may not provide values for donated items as it is considered a conflict of interest for museums to provide appraisals.

Will my donations be exhibited permanently?

The NCSML owns far too many objects to exhibit them all at one time. It is standard policy to rotate objects on exhibition so visitors see something new on each visit. For many objects (such as textiles, maps, and rare books) it is better not to exhibit them for long periods of time as damage due to prolonged light exposure is irreversible. Artifact preservation is a top consideration when choosing objects for exhibition.

How will I receive donor recognition?

Objects in the NCSML’s collection remain permanently associated with their donor record. When an item is exhibited, the object label will indicate the donor’s name. Donors may prefer to remain anonymous or have the exhibit label reflect someone else (such as in memory of their parents or grandparents).

May I include the NCSML in my Will?

Occasionally prospective donors aren’t ready to part with their family heirlooms, but would like to make sure the objects are delivered to the NCSML upon their death. Thus, it is not uncommon for individuals to bequeath objects to the NCSML.

Will my donation remain at the NCSML in perpetuity?

Ideally, once an object is accepted into the NCSML’s collection, it will remain in the museum’s care indefinitely. This is why the Collections Policy dictates that the librarian and curator may only accept objects that are in direct agreement to the museum’s mission. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to the librarian or curator. You may also request a copy of the NCSML’s Collection Policy, which provides strict guidelines for collection care and management.

How will my donations be cared for?

When not on exhibit, artifacts are housed in a recently remodeled climate-controlled and secure collection center. Storage is specific for each item. For example, costumes, linens, and other textiles are stored in acid-free textile boxes; glassware, ceramics, dolls, and woodcarvings are stored on shelves in air-tight museum cabinets. Most framed art is stored in special art storage cabinets.

Storage of library materials also depends on the item. Archival materials (manuscripts, documents, sheet music, maps, etc.) are stored in appropriate acid free folders and/or boxes. Periodicals are stored together in archival boxes and arranged by title and date. Books are stored on library shelving. Approximately half of the library collection is available in the NCSML’s library. Other library materials are stored in the collection center.

If you have questions about the donation process, contact
David Muhlena, Library Director, at 319-362-8500 or dmuhlena@ncsml.org or Stefanie Kohn, Curator, at 319-362-8500 or skohn@ncsml.org.
 
 
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The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
30 - 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-5904
Phone: 319-362-8500 · Fax: 319-363-2209
 
This page was updated January 24, 2008