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Donations

The South Australian Maritime Museum collects so that future generations can enjoy our rich maritime heritage. Due to the public's generosity we continue to care for and interpret a dynamic range of cultural material and give relevance and meaning to our maritime pasts and futures.

What sort of things can I donate?

Our diverse collection includes items ranging from the fantastic to the rare to the everyday. The best items are those with a connection to South Australia or perhaps they have a strong personal story. We collect objects, documents, artworks, vessels and many other items. See collection page for more details.

What do I need to do?

Contact the Museum’s Curator, details below, and your donation will be discussed. If suitable for our collection an appointment may be made so that the Museum can view the item and discuss its history with you. Then it is simply a matter of completing a donation form.

What will happen to it then?

Your item will be managed by the South Australian Maritime Museum in accordance with the History Trust of South Australia’s Collection Management Policy. This policy complies with international museum ‘best practice’ principles and is regarded as one of the most comprehensive and progressive collection management policies in Australia.

In the future your item may be included in exhibitions, used to interpret a particular theme or story, or travel with a Museum exhibition.

What if I change my mind?

It is important to discuss your intention to donate with all family members. A donation is a legal transferal of ownership and therefore difficult to reverse. But remember, your contribution ensures that South Australia’s heritage stays relevant and diverse, and that your item will have a well-managed future.

How can I find out more?

For more information please contact Bill Seager, Senior Curator on 8207 6257 bseager@history.sa.gov.au or Kristy Dermody, Curator on 8207 6261 kdermody@history.sa.gov.au.

Cultural Gifts Program

Your donation may be organised as a tax deduction through the Commonwealth Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. The program encourages gifts of significant cultural material to public museums, art galleries and libraries by offering donors a tax deduction for the market value of their gifts, under Subdivision 30-A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

For further details go directly to the website at www.dcita.gov.au/cgp and follow the arts and culture links.