Proposed Gift to the Collection

by | Nov 8, 2024 | Collections

We are always glad to hear about proposed gifts to the collection, which are subject to the approval of the Society’s curator, director, and Committee on the Collections. Please use the form below to begin the discussion.

Collections Policy

We are only able to accept objects made in Portsmouth and/or with a documented history in the area, and that our space for both display and storage is limited.

At this time, the Historical Society has prioritized the acquisition of objects related to segments of the population whose history heretofore has been under-represented in the collection, including Native Americans, African Americans, the LGTBQ+ community, and other under-served communities.


Gifts to the collection are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by current law. Although the Historical Society can facilitate the process by suggesting appraisers (see below) and providing access to the object in question, the responsibility for obtaining such a monetary appraisal, and covering any fees associated with it, rests with the donor. Museums are not allowed to provide monetary appraisals of objects and works of art.

Appraisals

Due to IRS regulations, museums are unable to provide monetary appraisals of works of art and objects. If you need a dollar value for tax, insurance, or other purposes, we recommend that you consult a qualified dealer, auction house, or accredited appraiser for such purposes. The following information is provided to aid in your search for an expert in a field related to your object.

For assistance in locating a specialist dealer, see: New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association: https://www.nhada.org/

For assistance with finding an appraiser, see: International Society of Appraisers 225 West Wacker Drive, Suite 650 Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 312-981-6778 Fax: 312-265-2908 Email: usa@usa-appraisers.org Website: isa-appraisers.org

Conservation

For assistance in finding a conservator, contact:
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
1156 15th St. NW Suite 320
Washington D.C. 20005-1714
Tel: 202.452.9545
Email: info@aic-faic.org
Website: conservation-us.org

Disclaimer

The Portsmouth Historical Society does not recommend one appraiser, conservator, framer, dealer, auction house, or other art professional over another. The information provided here includes suggestions of organizations that may be consulted; however, the Portsmouth Historical Society will not be held responsible for any conservation or appraisals. This information is provided as a resource and is not an endorsement of any organization or individual.