Fifteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

This study asks: How affordable is it for individuals to donate items to galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM)? To answer that question, I have been purchasing historical items from thrift shops and online auction sites since 2017 with the sole purpose of donating them. After donating approximately 50 items to 20 different GLAM in the United States, this study has found that not only is it possible for individuals to donate items, but the cost is significantly less than one would expect. The average cost per donated item was less than 10 dollars, which includes donations to institutions such as The National Civil War Museum, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Finally, I provide a brief overview of how one can strategically donate to maximize their item acceptance rate as well as what institutions could do to make donating easier for individuals.