Artifact Donation

Heritage Hill State Park accepts selected donations for its artifact and archival collections. Before we accept an item into the collection, it is reviewed by our Artifacts Committee which meets quarterly. Not everything is accepted.

If you are interested in making a donation to our collection, please read the information below and then complete the Object Donation Form (link at the bottom of the page).  Donors will receive communication directly from the Artifacts Committee after the information provided is reviewed.

Donation Criteria:

Because of its specific mission and limited resources, Heritage Hill only accepts artifacts that meet ALL the following criteria:

1. The artifact must relate in a significant way to the history of what Heritage Hill represents.
2. Sufficient information about the history and function of the artifact must be available at the time of acceptance to justify the research and/or interpretation value of the object.
3. The artifact must not represent an unnecessary duplication of artifacts already in the collection.
4. Heritage Hill must be reasonably assured that the donor has legal title to the artifact and can convey that title to Heritage Hill. Heritage Hill cannot accept artifacts known to have been illegally imported or acquired, or to have resulted from the improper destruction of historic or archaeological sites, buildings, districts, or objects.
5. The artifact can be acquired without restrictions (such as requirements for long-term loan, permanent display, or exhibition of an entire collection).
6. The artifact is in reasonable condition, has no extraordinary conservation needs, and can be adequately stored and cared for by Heritage Hill.

The following artifacts are generally not accepted:

• Family bibles
• Newspapers or newspaper clippings
• Postcards
• Wedding dresses
• Christening Gowns
• Unidentified photographs
• Items from outside our geographic region

Items never accepted:

• Historic sewing machines
• Scythes
• Oil lamps and lanterns
• Looms
• Pianos or organs
• Beds
• Couches (and other living room/parlor furniture)
• Quilts

If your donation is accepted, a deed of gift, which transfers ownership of your item(s) to Heritage Hill, and guarantees that the artifact was legally yours to give, must be signed. Once the donation is complete, the artifact is assigned an identification number (if it will not be used for interactive purposes), cataloged, and housed in either a display or in our artifact collection.

Heritage Hill is a 501.c.3 organization, so your donation is generally tax deductible. To ensure that you receive the maximum tax benefit, we recommended that you consult with your own accountant, attorney, and/or the IRS. Value of the donation cannot be determined by the Heritage Hill.

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