Home arrow About the Museum arrow Artifacts FAQ for the Korean War National Museum
Artifacts FAQ for the Korean War National Museum PDF Print E-mail

Q1: What do you consider to be an artifact?
A: An artifact is almost anything that will help us share a veteran's story with future generations. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Original documents, correspondence, and other papers
  • Photos, albums, drawings, scrapbooks, and original art
  • Diaries, log books, and journals
  • Travel documents, orders, passes and passports
  • Service records including enlistment papers, discharge papers, orders
  • Uniforms from the period of the Korean War including hats, helmets, dog tags, combat jackets, dress uniforms, etc.
  • Religious paraphernalia used during the military service in Korea including prayer books, Bibles, devotionals
  • Personal awards, medals and ribbons including service and campaign devices
  • Official issue publications, propaganda and training aids
  • Communist propaganda, leaflets and pictures
  • North Korean, Soviet and Chinese uniforms, personal items, weapons.

  • We cannot accept ammunition, explosives or other unstable artifacts.

Q2: My parent was a veteran and I’ve found some items that I think may qualify, but they never told me what these items are. Are you still interested?
A: Absolutely. Many Korean War veterans dealt with their experiences in a very personal and quiet way. Often we hear that many veterans did not tell their stories, even to their family members, including their children. But your parents may still have a chance to share their story and preserve their place in history. Please call us at 888-295-7212 and let us help you determine whether the item is appropriate.

Q3: I’m not sure my item qualifies, what should I do?
A: Please call 888-295-7212 and talk to one of our staff who can evaluate whether it is appropriate for donation.


Q4: Does an artifact have to be beautiful, clean or in good shape?
A: No. In fact we ask that you keep any items you think may fit in our collection as they are. Please call 217-523-7230 if you have any questions.


Q5: Will my item be on display after I donate it?
A: We cannot guarantee that any objects donated to its collection will be exhibited. In some cases, an artifact will become part of our permanent exhibition. Others may be included in a temporary exhibits or education experiences for students and guests.

In certain instances, your artifact will not be displayed, but it will be archived and preserved, and may be studied by students and researcher for years to come.

Objects from the collection are also occasionally loaned to other institutions for temporary exhibits.


Q6: Will the Korean War National Museum appraise my donation for its monetary value?
A: We can not provide appraisals of the monetary value of materials proposed for donation or for any other reason because the Internal Revenue Service regards museums and libraries as interested parties. Monetary appraisals prepared for donors by such institutions are subject to question or disqualification.

However, professional appraisers do perform this service for a fee. To find a licensed appraiser in your area, contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America for a referral.


Q7: Can I take a tax deduction for my donation?
A: The Korean War National Museum is recognized as a qualified charitable organization, thus the fair market value of your donated materials is generally tax deductible. To take advantage of your deduction, you must file tax for 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, and/or the Internal Revenue Service. You may also consult Internal Revenue Service Publication No. 526, Charitable Contributions, and Publication No. 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.


Q8: Can I mail or drop off a donation?
A: We cannot accept unsolicited donations through the mail or in person without prior written communication. If you have artifacts or documents that you believe would make valuable additions to our collection, please call 888-295-7212.


Q9: If I donate artifacts or documents to the Korea War National Museum, will they be returned to me at my request?

 

A: We cannot return accessioned collection materials to the donor. Once the Museum accepts your donation for the collection, you will be asked to sign a Deed of Gift, which legally transfers ownership of the materials to the Museum.


Q10: Our Korean War veteran recently died and we want to loan you the collection of items while we sort out the estate. Will you take a long-term loan?

 

A: No. The Korean War National Museum does not seek loans of any items, as we would take on the responsibility, accountability, and liability for items, commingled with our collection of over a million items. We will seek and accept short-term loan of art collections, photographs, posters and other artifacts for gallery or educational exhibits, but those must be sponsored exhibits.
 
[ Back ]