How do the Collections Grow?
The Seaport Museum’s Collection Management Policy, adopted first in 1986 and last revised in May 2024, outlines the scope of the Museum’s collection, explains how the museum grows, cares for and makes collections available to the public, and clearly defines the roles of the parties responsible for managing these artifacts.
The Policy establishes criteria and guidelines on how the Museum collects works of art, historical artifacts, and archival materials consistent with its mission and with professional museum standards. The Museum is thankful for the many donations to the collection we have received over time; however, we cannot accept unsolicited donations either by mail or in-person nor can we pass unsolicited donations on to another institution. Materials sent unsolicited will be considered abandoned, and the Museum reserves the right to dispose of such property as it sees fit.
If you have objects that you believe would complement our collections, please send a written description (including the size, content, condition, historical significance, and provenance), as well as photographs or scans of the objects via email to collections@seany.org and indicate if you are offering it for gift or purchase. These requests are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Please be aware that the Museum’s primary mission, limited gallery and storage space, and the demands that every object places on the budget and staff, require us to be very selective with acquisitions.
The Museum is under no obligation to accept proposed gifts or bequests. The following criteria govern the acquisition of works for the collections, whether made by purchase, gift, bequest, exchange, transfer, or any other means.
- The item(s) must be consistent with and relevant to the stated mission, vision, purpose, scope, and activities of the Museum.
- Primary consideration will be given to the Museum’s ability to provide proper care and storage for any object. No item(s) will be considered for acquisition if future care and preservation needs exceed the Museum’s resources. Donations that include financial support for long-term storage and preservation are encouraged.
- Items must have a clear title of legal ownership and be free of copyright restrictions. The Museum will undertake due diligence to establish the legal status of an object under consideration for acquisition, making every reasonable effort to investigate, substantiate, or clarify the provenance of the item(s).
- All acquisitions are to be outright and unconditional. The Museum cannot guarantee that objects donated will be placed on exhibition, or that they will be exhibited or stored intact as a single collection. In addition, please be aware that curatorial decisions made during cataloging of new collections may result in objects being deemed more appropriate for use in our education department, or to be offered for sale to benefit direct care of the Museum’s collections.
- All donations to the Museum’s collections are irrevocable upon the formal and physical transfer to the Museum.
- All legal instruments of conveyance and warranty of title, signed by the donor/seller/agent setting forth an adequate description of the items involved and the precise conditions of the transfer, shall accompany all acquisitions.
- All acquisitions by gift or bequest to the Museum will remain in the possession of the Museum for as long as they retain their physical integrity and authenticity, and as long as they remain useful for the purposes of the Museum.
- Federal law prevents the Museum from providing identification services or appraisal values for donated item(s). Donors are responsible for appraisals of value.
- Donations are fully tax deductible within IRS guidelines. Please consult your tax advisor.
Learn More About the Collections
About the Collections
The collections and archives of the South Street Seaport Museum document the rise of New York as a port city, and its role in the development of the economy and business of the United States through social and architectural landscapes with over 28,000 works of art and historical artifacts, and over 80,000 archival materials.
Explore the Collections
Through the new and improved Collections Online Portal, you can explore highlights from the various collections within the Museum. Whether items are preserved in storage, displayed in Museum galleries, or on loan to fellow institutions, you can digitally discover some of these special objects in digital format.
Research Policies
Conducting research is a vital part of the Seaport Museum’s work. The Museum is actively engaged in a complete inventory of its collections and archives. This ongoing project will improve future public access to the materials in our care and ensure that items are documented and preserved for future generations.
Collections Chronicles Blog Posts
Read articles written by the Seaport Museum’s Collections and Exhibitions team. These engaging posts share insights about inventory and rehousing projects that staff and interns are working on, research about specific artifacts, and explore other areas of interest surrounding the Museum’s collections.