Object Donation FAQs
Thank you for considering an artifact donation to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Please carefully read the FAQs below.
What does the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage collect?
The collection of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage (MMJH) focuses on the history and accomplishments of Northeast Ohio Jews from the first immigrants in 1839 to the present day. The MMJH collects artifacts that are of historic importance, especially the history of Northeast Ohio; that tell a story with a direct connection to the content of the Permanent Collection and the Museum's mission; that are eventually intended for display and in adequate condition for display; and that we are able to store, care for and conserve.
The MMJH has a collecting agreement with the Western Reserve Historical Society's (WRHS) Jewish Archives to acquire artifacts for display in the MMJH or for the collections of the WRHS. All potential donations to the Museum will be reviewed by staff of both MMJH and WRHS and will determine the most appropriate recipient of the donation. The MMJH does not purchase artifacts except under extraordinary circumstances, which will be determined by the Director.
How do I donate an artifact to the Museum?
Contact Sean Martin, the Associate Curator for Jewish History at Western Reserve Historical Society, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at smartin@wrhs.org or by phone at 216.721.5722. Please do not drop­off or send artifacts without first making this contact. We want to make sure that your potential gift is properly identified and cared for.
Maltz Museum and/or WRHS staff will evaluate all artifacts offered. The evaluation process may take from a few weeks up to two months. The more information you can provide on its history, the better. Limited storage space, duplication of artifacts, and condition of the offered piece as well as relevance to our mission may affect the decision to accept an artifact. If we decide to add it to our collection(s), we will send you a gift agreement to sign and return. The agreement transfers ownership of the artifact to the appropriate Museum.
Can the Museum provide an appraisal or value for my artifact?
The MMJH is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization; therefore IRS regulations prohibit the Museum from providing identification services, appraisal values or tax advice for donated artifacts. Professional appraisers can provide this service for a fee. To locate a licensed appraiser, contact The International Society of Appraisers. The Museum cannot pay for the professional appraisal of donated items.
For information on receiving a tax deduction for your gift, please contact your accountant or tax preparer.
Will my gift go on display in the Museum?
The Museum cannot guarantee if and when gifts will go on exhibition. Because of the fragility of historical artifacts, the Museum staff periodically changes the artifacts on exhibition. Donors will be notified if their gift is to go on exhibition or to be taken out for care and storage.
Does the Museum accept loans?
The Museum generally does not accept the loan of artifacts, except under special circumstances determined by Museum staff and based on display needs. If an artifact is accepted for loan, the term shall be for no less than 5 years.