Nearly 100 years of collecting and still counting

The National WWI Museum and Memorial, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has been adding to its world-class collection since 1920. It continues to actively collect objects and documents from all the belligerent countries in World War I, as well as historical materials relating to the Liberty Memorial, which is a National Historic Landmark and Congressionally-recognized memorial.

Do you have a potential donation?

First, please read the Frequently Asked Questions below.

 

Note: the Museum and Memorial does NOT accept walk-in donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The National WWI Museum and Memorial collects objects and documents related to World War I (1914-19), the conflict’s subsequent impact on the global community and the history of the Liberty Memorial. This includes, but is not limited to, uniforms, equipment, weapons, books, posters, photographs and personal papers from all nations involved in World War I. 

The Museum and Memorial is currently seeking: 

  • European U-boat and navy uniforms 

  • African American, Hispanic and Native American materials connected to World War I 

  • American military women uniforms and other items from their service 

  • Published unit histories and state/county service personnel rosters 

Fill out the Artifact Donation Form in advance, before visiting the Museum and Memorial.

You'll need both descriptions and photographs of the items you wish to donate to fill out the form.

Artifact Donation Form

A Museum and Memorial representative will check to see if a member of the curatorial team is available should you arrive without an appointment, but if they are unavailable, we cannot accept your donation. We would encourage you to fill out the Artifact Donation Form to determine if the Museum and Memorial would be interested in receiving your donation at a later time.

Only specific members of the curatorial team are allowed to accept donations. If the appropriate member of the curatorial team is unavailable, we cannot accept your donation.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial’s collection began in 1920 and is the most diverse in the world. While there are still many objects and documents from around the world that would enhance our collection, many of the most commonly-found objects and documents associated with World War I may no longer be needed for the collection.

You will be provided with a gift acknowledgement letter confirming the donation, together with the IRS tax form (if requested). The Museum and Memorial is unable to provide a monetary valuation of the donated items. A valuation, should you require one, can be made by a qualified appraiser prior to our receipt of the donation.

To take advantage of your deduction, you must file tax form 1040 and, depending on the value of your donation, tax form 8283. To ensure that you receive the maximum tax benefit, it is recommended that you consult with your own accountant, attorney or the Internal Revenue Service. You may also consult IRS Publication No. 526, Charitable Contributions, and Publication No. 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.

All accepted objects are accessioned unconditionally into the official collection of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

The Museum and Memorial's unique collection is used in two ways: research and exhibition. Many of the objects are used by researchers to better understand the conditions and impact of the war. Our archives and library holdings are also used by scholars to examine important questions and enrich the understanding of history and events of the time.

Therefore, a museum does more than exhibit objects and documents. Should your donation be accepted, there is no commitment that the object or document will be on exhibit at any point in time. However, it is still considered to be a part of the Museum and Memorial’s collection, and is still critical for assisting in research of WWI.

If you'd still like to submit a donation inquiry, please fill out the Artifact Donation Form.

 

You'll need:

  • Detailed descriptions of each item
  • A photograph of each item
  • Your contact information

Artifact Donation Form

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