Does the Autauga County Heritage Association (ACHA) accept donations?
ACHA encourages the public to help enrich our local collections through donated items. The public provides many of the items used by our museums to enhance its many exhibits. We review every donation offer individually to see if it meets our collections criteria and fits our mission. We are selective of the items we accept so please provide us with as much provenance as you can.
How can I contact you about items I wish to donate?
Please see "Donation Instructions" below. Donation Instructions can also be obtained at the Prattaugan Museum. All required forms can be emailed to museum@autaugahistory.org or mailed to:
Prattaugan Museum
102 East Main Street
Prattville, Alabama 36067
Can I just mail or drop off a donation to the museum?
No. ACHA does not accept unsolicited donations or drop-offs. All donation offers are reviewed by the Museum Advisory Council (MAC). Once an item has been accepted by MAC, arrangements will be made to bring the item(s) to the Prattaugan Museum. During the review process, if it is determined that further examination is needed, the donor will be contacted, and arrangements will be made to bring the item(s) to the Prattaugan Museum.
Once approved, donors will be contacted and provided with further instructions. Once the item is received, the accessioning process, in which the item(s) are catalogued into the collection, will begin. A Deed of Gift will be executed.
If MAC determines the item(s) do not meet the required criteria, the item(s) will be declined, and the donor will be contacted. If the item(s) were dropped off for further evaluation, they must be picked up within 30 days of notification.
Why is the Association so selective in what it accepts?
ACHA has very limited storage capability and the staff resources to accept everything. We accept items that help fill in the gaps of our current collections. Items are retained if they are useful to the purposes and activities of ACHA and/or its museums, if they contribute to the integrity of said museums and if they can be properly stored, preserved, and used.
Will my item(s) be exhibited?
ACHA cannot guarantee that any item(s) will be placed on exhibit. Items not on exhibit will be preserved and stored for use in research, future exhibit needs and temporary exhibits.
Can the museum do an appraisal of my donation?
The Autauga County Heritage Association is prohibited from providing appraisals.
Thank you for considering ACHA for your generous donation and support!
