Collection Donation Information

The Arab American National Museum collects, documents, and preserves objects that help illustrate the Arab American experience.  Our permanent collection includes: art, three-dimensional artifacts, documents, personal papers, and photographs that were created by, owned, primarily used by, or that illustrate the Arab American 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 Arab Americans.


How can I donate objects to the Museum?

Review the section above.  Does your artifact(s) help illustrate or interpret the Arab American experience? If so, please download and complete the Collections Donation Information Form.  This form provides basic 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.  In addition, if possible, please include a photograph of the artifact taken alongside a ruler.  All of this information is important and will help us to make an informed decision. 

Please mail the completed form to: 
    Collections Offer 
    c/o Suzy Mazloum 
    Arab American National Museum  
    13624 Michigan Avenue 
    Dearborn, MI 48126

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. 


What happens after I submit the Collection Donor Information Form? 

After we receive your form and photograph(s), we will review the artifact(s) and assess its 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.

We will contact you within sixty (60) days 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.  If we accept your artifact donation offer, we will work with you to arrange the transfer of the object to the Museum.  If we cannot accept your offer, we will still keep your information on file. 


Questions? 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Suzy Mazloum at 313.624.0229 or via email at smazloum@accesscommunity.org.  We will make every effort to return your call as quickly as possible.  We appreciate your patience and understanding. 


Thank you for your interest in supporting the Arab American National Museum in documenting the diverse experiences of the Arab American community.

Attachments:

AANM Collection Donations Form Revised 2008