If you are not able to fill out the online form, please email museum@thekate.org or call (860) 510-0473.
Donation FAQs
What does the Katharine Hepburn Museum collect?
The Katharine Hepburn Museum only collects items that support its mission to present an authentic view of the rich history and cultural impact of Katharine Hepburn, her family, and her life’s work. Collections include archival documents including letters, scripts, and contracts; artifacts including costumes, personal wardrobe pieces, awards, paintings, recordings and other 3-dimensional objects; and printed materials including playbills, posters, lobby cards, books, photographs, and newspapers and magazines
How does the museum decide what donations to accept?
The object must have the capacity for use in exhibitions and/or for research and scholarly purposes. The museum accepts objects only if they are of sufficiently sound condition and do not require significant expense for treatment, unless such funds are provided for by the donor or other sources such as grants or by special arrangements with another institution or organization. The museum will accept only those materials that it can adequately care for and store.
Will my object be displayed in the museum?
Unfortunately, the museum cannot promise that every donation will go on display. Only a small percentage of the museum’s entire collection is on view at any given time. All items within our collection, those on display as well as those in storage, are cared for following museum standard best practices. We strive to make our collections available to researchers and are working toward to making all materials available online.
Does the Museum provide appraisals or value estimates?
No. The Museum is prohibited by law from appraising or attaching monetary value to any items, even if it has been donated to the Museum. To obtain an appraisal value for your materials, please contact the American Society of Appraisers or Appraisers’ Association of America.
Are object donations tax-deductible?
Yes. If you donate an item to the museum, you will receive a letter of acknowledgement for your gift. However, the Museum is prohibited by law from appraising any item, even if it has been donated to the Museum. Please contact the American Society of Appraisers or Appraisers’ Association of America for a professional appraising service. Any appraisals should be completed prior to the donation process.
