Thank you for your interest in AMM and for considering the museum as a repository for your collection. The following information provides guidelines for donating artifacts and archival materials to AMM as outlined in our collection policy and in accordance with our museum’s mission statement. We are happy to discuss your gift offer or answer any questions you may have. Please contact the assistant curator by email or at 410-295-0104 x 19.
The mission of the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park is to educate youth and adults about the area’s rich maritime heritage and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay through programs, exhibits, and community events. We accomplish this mission by bringing visitors to our two unique locations on Back Creek. To help achieve this mission, AMM collects, researches, preserves, exhibits, and interprets artifacts in accordance with the collections policy. Artifacts may be accepted for the Permanent Collection.Permanent Collection
The permanent collection consists of artifacts (objects, photographs, archives, and library) which directly relate to the purpose or mission of the museum. Artifacts accepted into the permanent collection are documented, preserved, and managed according to prescribed methods meeting current professional standards. The permanent collection represents:
- Models: AMM collects detailed scale models of Bay watercraft.
- Artwork: AMM collects paintings, prints, and photographs relating to Bay watercraft or maritime-themed pieces relating to the Annapolis area.
- Artifacts: AMM collects many tools of maritime trades and fisheries. Examples include anchors, ceramics, paper ephemera, navigational instruments, textiles, rigging gear, and fishing equipment including harvesting tools and oyster cans.
Condition
Unfortunately, the museum does not have conservation staff to address artifacts in need of cleaning or conservation. For this reason, all donations to the museum must be clean and free of dirt and dust; otherwise, offers might be declined.
Appraisal
Appraisal of your donation can happen at any time prior to, during, or after the donation process. The museum cannot provide monetary valuations to donors, but we are happy to work with the appraiser of your choice.
What we can & can’t accept
AMM is pleased to consider any offered artifact that falls within our collecting criteria; however, our storage space is limited and there are legal and ethical considerations associated with each donation. In general, we collect artifacts that relate to or are descriptive of the maritime history of Annapolis. Please contact us for more details, but here are a few important points:
- Artifact donations must be made by the artifact’s legal owner.
- Historical artifacts with documented histories, including who used it, where and when it was used, are preferred.
Thank you for your interest in donating to the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park.