Thank you for your interest in supporting the Alaska Veteran’s Museum in documenting the diverse history and military experiences of Alaska’s Veterans.

All offers must be made in writing by completing the Collections Donation Information Form.  We are very sorry that we cannot consider a donation without a completed form.  Please read the following for information on how to make your donation.

Once Completed, please mail to:
Alaska Veterans Museum
c/o Department of Collections Management
333 West 4th Ave. Ste. 227
Anchorage, AK 99501


Link to downloadable form: Collections Donation Form

The Alaska Veteran’s Museum collects, documents, and preserves objects that help illustrate the History and military experiences of all Alaska’s Veterans.  Our permanent collection includes: art, artifacts, documents, personal papers, and photographs that were created by, owned, primarily used by, or that illustrate the Alaska Veteran’s experience.  Almost all of the objects in the permanent collection have entered or will enter the collection through the generosity of individuals and communities, making the collection truly reflective of the diverse lives and histories of Alaskan Veterans.

If your donation illustrates or interprets an Alaskan veteran in history or military experience, please complete the attached Collections Donation Information Form.  This form provides information about the artifact(s) that will enable us to determine its suitability for inclusion in the Museum’s permanent collection.  It is important for you to be as detailed as possible. Please include a photograph of the artifact – if possible, taken alongside a ruler.  All of this information is important and will help us to make an informed decision.

After we receive your form and photograph(s), we will review the artifact(s) and assess the suitability to the Museum’s mission.  We will also consider our ability to properly care for it as well as our ability to make it accessible to the public.  A staff member may contact you for more information, but in most cases we will make our decision based on the information you have provided on the Collection Donation Information Form.

A Collections Committee, made up of Alaska Veteran’s Museum staff, and board of directors, who meet quarterly to review proposed donations.  We will contact you within one hundred-twenty (120) days of receipt to let you know the outcome of our review.  This length of time is necessary in order to conduct any additional research and consult with our colleagues both on staff and in the field.  

What happens after the Collections Committee makes a decision?
If we accept your artifact donation offer, we will send you a Deed of Gift and/or Photo Release Form with your acceptance letter. We will then work with you to arrange the transfer of the object to the Museum.  An acceptance of a donation does not mean the artifact will be immediately put on display.  When an artifact becomes part of the museum’s permanent collection, strict guidelines are in place to preserve and care for the object, which may include conservation treatment. An artifact may be accepted if it compliments a future exhibit or display, or if it would be useful to scholarly or public research.

If we are unable to accept your offer, we will contact you regarding the outcome as well as keep a record of the donation proposal. We sincerely encourage you to think of us again for future donations.

A Deed of Gift is a legal document that transfers permanent ownership to the Alaska Veteran’s Museum. It is considered irrevocable. Before offering an item, please be certain that all interested parties understand the implications of signing a Deed of Gift. Family members should be in agreement about the decision to make an offer and who has the legal authority to sign the Deed.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies museum and libraries as interested parties and so, by policy, the Alaska Veteran’s Museum cannot provide monetary appraisals. To find a licensed appraiser in your area, you can request a referral from the following organizations: the American Society of Appraisers; the International Society of Appraisers; or the Appraisers Association of America.

If you have any further questions about this process, please contact the Executive Director, Suellyn Wright Novak  or Adrienne Watz, with the Curatorial Department at (907) 677-8802 or via email novak@alaskaveterans.com   We will make every effort to contact you as quickly as possible.  We appreciate your patience and understanding.