Donation Enquiry

Frequently asked questions about donating objects to the Gundagai Historical Museum Inc

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1. How do I donate an object?

Please complete the General Enquiry Form providing your contact details and the information about what you would like to donate. The Museum Committee will be in touch. However, we will try to make the decision and let you know within four weeks. If we want your object, we will arrange for you to bring it to the museum. We will also organise for you to complete an Object Receipt Form that will transfer ownership to the museum.

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2. Can I just drop-off the object at the museum?

No, we do not have the space or resources to take care of an object that might not be needed in our collection. Please wait until we have a chance to assess the donation for possible accession into the collection.

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3. What kind of objects can I donate?

Our Collection Policy aim is to develop, manage and maintain the Gundagai Historical Museum to safeguard, record, display and enrich the history of Gundagai District for the benefit of the public. The museum cannot accept an object if it is not legally owned by the donor, or if it could be dangerous to the volunteers or visitors.

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4. Why would the museum not accept an object?

The museum relies on the donation of objects to build our collection. However, it is impossible for us to accept every object offered for donation. The main reasons an object may not be accepted are:

     • It does not fit our Collection Policy and collecting themes

     • There is already an example of the object in the collection

     • The object cannot be adequately stored, maintained or displayed.

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5. Does the object need to be in perfect condition?

It is preferable that the object is in good condition. However, the history and story about an object can be as important as its condition. An object in poor condition with no known history or significance to the district is unlikely to be accepted.

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6. Will the donated object go on display in the museum?

The collection has been assembled over 60 years. We do not have enough space to display all the objects at the one time. We cannot guarantee that your object will be on display at any time.

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7. Can the object be returned later?

No. Once the object has been donated and the Object Receipt Form completed it becomes the property of the museum. This is standard museum practice to reduce any confusion on ownership of the object in the future.

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8. Can I loan an object to the museum?

We sometimes borrow or lend objects on a short-term arrangement with other museums or institutions for special display purposes. We do not accept donation of an object to the collection under a long-term loan basis.