FAQ

If you have an object that you believe may benefit the IHMG collection, please visit the Donate an Object page on our website to understand and begin the process to donate. 

The scope of the collection correlates with the history of the institution as well as its staff, students, and faculty. Objects in the collection should have a connection to one or more of the following:

• The geographic region in which the University is located
• The University as an entity
• A faculty or staff member
• An organization associated with the University
• Current student(s) or alum (and their lifelong connections to WLU)

The date range of the collection extends from the founding of August Academy (1740s) through into the modern day (2020s).

Emphasis is made to collect objects used in association with daily life at the University, objects that encouraged or are representative of lasting traditions or are tied to the University’s unique culture, figures or objects associated with the campus, objects that include emblems and logos affiliated with the University, and objects used on campus.

While the IHMG does not collect objects straying from these criteria, exceptions may be made when interpretative need arises. 

Any request to reproduce photographs of collections pieces must be made in writing to the IHMG, including all specifics of the image’s intended use. Should permission be granted, the IHMG will contact you prior to releasing a high-resolution image free of the IHMG’s watermark. 

Museums sometimes remove objects from their collections through a process known as deaccessioning. Deaccessioning ensures the collection receives the best possible care and remains aligned with the museum’s mission. Most often, items are deaccessioned because they are in poor condition, or because the museum’s collecting focus has changed. The decision to deaccession an object is made according to established guidelines, and IHMG seeks to place deaccessioned objects with other museums that are better equipped to preserve and interpret the object. The IHMG is not required to notify the donor(s) of an object should said object be deaccessioned. 

The IHMG does not conserve objects for the public, but we are happy to assist you in understanding standard object care. However, for more intensive conservation projects, we recommend you find a conservator through the American Institute for Conservation. 

It is against federal law for any museum to provide appraisal values for donated objects. Should you wish for an appraisal to be completed for your object, please contact a local appraisal (visit the American Society of Appraisers webpage to find a certified appraiser in your area). Should you want to donate an object to the IHMG with an appraisal, you are responsible for completing that appraisal prior to contacting us about said donation. After donating the object, you will receive a deed proving the donation. Share this deed with your accountant when completing your taxes. 

Most museums display less than 10% of their collection at a time. The IHMG is not obligated to inform you on the status of your object once it is formally accessioned into the collection, nor can we guarantee that the object will be immediately placed on display or will be permanently displayed. Should you have an inquiry regarding your object, we encourage you to contact us for more information.