donate to the collection
The National Civil Rights Museum collection represent the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, including objects representative of racial segregation and civil rights grassroots and national organizations. The Museum actively collects archival materials, books, photographs, clothing/textiles, audiovisual materials, art, and 3D artifacts that represent the struggle for civil and human rights in the United States.
Due to generous artifact donations, the National Civil Rights Museum is able to accomplish its mission of honoring and preserving the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., chronicling the American civil rights movement, telling the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights, and educating and serving as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change.
The Museum is actively seeking donations related to the following themes:
Local and national civil and human rights organizations
Contemporary civil and human rights movements like:
· Movement for Black Lives/Black Lives Matter
· LGBTQIA+ movements
· Latinx movements
· Indigenous movements
· Feminist movements
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions section to learn information about our donation process then complete our Collections Inquiry form. If you are unable to complete the online form, please contact collections@civilrightsmuseum.org to request that a form be mailed to you. Please do not send objects to the Museum without prior consent.
To submit a collections inquiry, click below.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I DONATE MATERIALS TO THE MUSEUM’S COLLECTION?
Please complete our Collections Inquiry form. The collections staff will evaluate the potential donation and contact the donor within a reasonable time to discuss next steps.
ARE OBJECTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND/OR CULTURES ACCEPTED?
Yes, the Museum accepts objects that reflect movements for civil and human rights across the globe that meet our mission.
DOES THE MUSEUM ACCEPT ARTWORK?
Yes, the Museum accepts art into the collection.
DOES THE MUSEUM PURCHASE OBJECTS?
Yes, the Museum purchases objects on a case-by-case basis. The Museum’s acquisitions budget is limited; therefore, the objects must be affordable and meet specific needs.
DOES THE MUSEUM ACCEPT SENSITIVE OBJECTS, INCLUDING RACIST IMAGERY, OBJECTS FROM HATE GROUPS, BLACKFACE OBJECTS, AND OTHER STEREOTYPICAL DEPICTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS?
Yes, we are open to receiving donations that tell the full unadulterated story of the struggle for civil and human rights.
DOES THE MUSEUM DO APPRAISALS?
In accordance with regulations from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the National Civil Rights Museum does not offer appraisal services or provide donors with a value for tax- deductible objects. We suggest contacting a certified appraiser in your area if you require an appraisal.
CAN I TAKE A TAX DEDUCTION FOR MY DONATION?
The Museum is a qualified charitable organization, thus the fair market value of your donated materials is generally tax deductible. To take advantage of your deduction, you must file form 1040 and, depending on the value of your donation, tax form 8283. To ensure that you receive the maximum tax benefit, it is recommended that you consult with your own accountant, attorney, and/or the Internal Revenue Service. You may also consult Internal Revenue Service Publication No. 526, Charitable Contributions, and Publication No. 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.
Can I Mail or drop-off objects I want to donate?
No, the Museum will not accept unsolicited objects through mail or in person without prior contact with the Museum’s collections staff. Any objects sent without prior written consent will not be returned and may be disposed.
Please note that front lines staff cannot accept any donations to the collection. Items brought to the Museum without prior arrangement will be turned away.
WILL THE MUSEUM EXHIBIT MY DONATION?
The Museum cannot guarantee that any donation will be on display in an exhibition. As with most museums, only one percent of the Collection can be on display at any one time. Objects that are not on display are still appreciated and are accessible to researchers for study.
HOW DO RESEARCHERS ACCESS OBJECTS IN THE MUSEUM’S COLLECTION?
Access to the Museum’s collection is limited and available to researchers by appointment only. Please complete our Collections Inquiry form to request an appointment.
DOES THE MUSEUM LOAN OBJECTS TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS?
The Museum actively loans its collection for exhibition and educational programming to OTHER museums and historic institutions. It also welcomes incoming loans from institutions and private lenders. Please complete our Collections Inquiry form for any loan inquiries.
CAN I COPY OR SCAN MY DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS AND GIVE YOU THE COPIES?
Most scans and digital images created on home equipment are of too poor quality to be useful for the Museum. Therefore, the Museum will rarely accept copies of documents and photographs and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The Museum will occasionally accept original digital photographs that have been shot using digital cameras, providing they meet the collections scope, are accompanied with metadata, and copyright issues have been resolved.