We must be selective about items that enter our collection to ensure that they advance DuSable’s mission. For this reason, we generally do not accept:

• Items unrelated to African and African American history, culture or art.
• Mass-produced or tourist items lacking unique historical context.
• Items in poor or unstable condition (mold, pests, severe damage).
• Items that duplicate others in our collection.
• Items lacking clear provenance or ownership history.

Please be aware that all donations:

• Are permanent and unconditional requiring the donor to sign a formal Deed of Gift transferring legal ownership to DuSable Museum giving us the right to determine how items are used, stored, exhibited, or deaccessioned in accordance with professional museum standards.
• Not all accepted items will be placed on public display. Many objects are used for research, study, or future exhibitions.
• DuSable Museum staff cannot provide monetary appraisals of donated items.

If you believe that you own qualifying historic objects or archival materials, we invite you to use the form below to make a formal gift offer to the museum. Please allow up to 8 weeks for us to carefully review and respond to your offer.

If you have any questions or need further information, please email our Registrar at bliboy@dusablemuseum.org

(*All fields are required)