Donating Artifacts to the Museum

 
Thank you for your interest in donating to the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum collection.  It is through such generosity that our collection continues to grow. 

 
What does the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum collect?
Generally, artifacts that have a connection to telephone history or the telephone-related industry are good candidates for the museum’s collection.  This includes telephones (especially those manufactured prior to the 1980s), telephone-related memorabilia, tools, signs, et al.   Because of limited storage space, we are unable to accept everything that is offered.

 
Will my donation be displayed?
The museum cannot guarantee that any artifact will go on display.   The exhibits are updated periodically and we try to present a variety of historic and unique items.  The museum staff is dedicated to preserving the artifacts in storage, ensuring they are available for many years to come.

 
How will my donation be recognized?
A description card accompanies each artifact on display.  The card includes the artifact’s name, approximate year and a description of how it worked and/or its use.  At the donor’s request, we will also include the name of the donor on the description card.

 
Is my donation tax deductible?
The Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization and the fair market value of your donated artifact is eligible for tax deduction.  We recommend you consult your accountant, attorney or the Internal Revenue Service if you have any questions.  If you wish to have your artifact appraised, please do so before donating it to the museum.

 
Can the museum give me an appraisal of my donation?
The museum does not provide appraisals of materials proposed for donation or for any other reason. However, professional appraisers will perform this service for a fee.  

 
How do I donate an item?
Please call (314) 416-8004 or email us at [email protected] to discuss potential donations. 

 
Does the museum purchase artifacts?
No.  Due to a limited budget, the museum is unable to purchase artifacts.