Donating Objects to FKHDF
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation (FKHDF) appreciates our community’s generous donations and gifts from individual contributors as it helps our collection grow as a valuable resource to our community. FKHDF is always willing to consider donations that enhance the Collection, however, we ask that you assist us by following a few procedures we have in place to help us through the donation process.
Complete the Online Donation Form
Please provide us as much information as you can regarding the object(s) you wish to donate to FKHDF. The more information we receive regarding each object helps us determine if and how it will fit into our Collection.
The information that is most important:
- What is the object and what was it used for or its purpose?
- When, where, and by whom was it created?
- When and under what circumstances did you come into possession of each item (gift, purchase, inheritance, etc.)?
- And any other information you deem relevant to the object’s fabrication, use, or ownership history.
FKHDF will contact you if we need any further information as well as to provide additional information regarding the process we use in determining whether to accept your generous offer.
Please do not drop off or mail objects without first contacting FKHDF. We want to ensure that your potential contribution is properly identified and cared for and that you receive a formal acknowledgement of receipt of your item(s).
How Acquisition Decisions are Made
As space is limited, we cannot accept all items that are offered to FKHDF. We want to be sure every potential acquisition relates to our Mission Statement and is relevant to the Florida Keys. Object(s) are presented at our Collections Committee meetings for recommendation to our Board of Directors whether to accept or reject the contribution.
If you require an appraisal on an object prior to its acceptance into the collection, you will be responsible for obtaining it through an independent third party. FKHDF cannot provide appraisals for your contribution. All formal appraisals are the responsibility of donors because IRS does not permit FKHDF to appraise donated objects. Donors should also confer with their tax advisors regarding tax benefits, details, and implications of their contribution(s). Once donated, the objects become part of FKHDF’s permanent collection and will be treated accordingly.
There may be several reasons that your objects are not accepted. If we are unable to accept your item, we will try and make recommendation and provide contact details of museums that may be interested.
What Happens to Your Objects and Collections after Acquisition?
When FKHDF accepts new objects in its collection, we strive to make the items accessible to the public in one or all of the following ways:
- Placed on display within an existing exhibit
- Loaned for exhibition to another museum
- Used in educational or community programming
- Made available for researchers
- Digitized and made available online through our website