Object Donations

Donate to the Collections

The Sydney Jewish Museum is home to some remarkable artefacts, each carefully documented, researched and preserved, safeguarding the community’s heritage for posterity. It is through the generosity of the community that the collection continues to flourish.

The Museum collects artefacts, documents, letters, photographs, film and testimony related to the Holocaust, Judaism and Australian Jewish history.

There is a diminishing window of opportunity to collect from those closely associated with the Holocaust and an abundance of material in community hands at risk of remaining undiscovered. With this in mind, we hope to gather as much original material from survivors and their descendants while it is still possible.

Some frequently asked questions

WHAT IS THE DONATION PROCESS?

Items offered are assessed on their significance and suitability for the collection. The curators consider the item’s historical, social or religious significance together with its provenance (contextual and biographical information provided by the donor). Condition, conservation requirements and storage constraints are also considerations.

Once accepted into the collection, the object goes through a registration process where it is documented, photographed and allocated its own unique number. Once added to the database, it will also be available online through the Museum’s website.

CAN I COME AND SEE MY GIFT?

The curators will grant supervised access to the donor and family members as requested, however, we may need some advance notice.

WILL MY OBJECT BE DISPLAYED IMMEDIATELY?

Display depends upon exhibition requirements, and whether the object fits into any of the narratives we are currently displaying.

WHAT IF I WANT MY OBJECT BACK?

We do not give material back. When you have donated material to the Museum, you transfer legal ownership without retaining the right of revocation.

DO I RETAIN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS TO A GIFT I HAVE CREATED MYSELF?

Copyright and other intellectual property considerations can be negotiated, but generally we prefer that a donating artist, photographer or author assign rights of reproduction so that the Museum can advertise, promote, share and merchandise its collection.

DOES THE MUSEUM ACCEPTS PERMANENT LOANS?

No, the Museum does not accept permanent loans. However, we may wish to occasionally borrow artefacts when needed for a particular exhibition.

CAN OTHER MUSEUMS BORROW FOR DISPLAY?

If a museum or institution meets the exacting standards we have set for the conditions of display, transport, insurance, conservation and security, we might agree to a short-term loan.

CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MUCH MY OBJECT IS WORTH?

We do not appraise or provide valuations for material. However, we can refer you to a number of valuers.

Donate to the Collections

Contact one of our curators on telephone 02 9360 7999 or email [email protected], or please complete this form and one of the curators will get in touch with you.