Interested in Donating an Artifact or Artwork?
The Art & History Museums of Maitland is honored to care for artifacts that help tell the story of Maitland and Central Florida. We welcome offers of historical objects that were made, used, purchased, or closely connected to Maitland, and that help us interpret the lives, events, and industries that have shaped our community over time.
For donations of artwork, our highest collection priorities are works by Jules André Smith and the Bok Fellows, artists who lived and worked at the Research Studio during its historically significant years between 1937 and 1959. These pieces help preserve the legacy of our founding era and deepen our understanding of the creative exchange that took place on this unique campus.
Because our storage space and staffing resources are limited, we are selective about the artifacts we accept. Items should be in stable condition, carry clear historical relevance, and support our exhibitions, research, or long-term preservation goals. All donations must be offered without restrictions on use or display.
Please note that we cannot accept unsolicited items dropped off in person. If you are considering a donation, we kindly ask that you first contact our staff by email with a description of the item and clear photographs. If the object aligns with our needs and mission, a member of our collections team will reach out to begin the donation process.
If the museum expresses interest in your object:
- Staff may schedule a time to examine the item in person
- You will be asked to provide background details about the item’s history and ownership.
- If accepted, a formal Deed of Gift will be completed and signed by both the donor and the museum
Once donated, the item will be catalogued, photographed, and properly stored or prepared for future exhibition according to professional museum standards.
To inquire about a potential artifact donation, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for helping us preserve our community’s rich heritage.