Unrestricted Gift Form
This unrestricted gift form is currently used here at the Vermont Historical Society to minimize confusion and possible legal issues when objects are donated to the collection. If an object is just dropped off at a museum with no paperwork, it can be complicated to determine who legally owns the object, where it came from and what story it tells, and even how it should be cared for. This form helps to ensure that each object in the collection is owned by VHS and the donor has affirmed that they have the legal right to gift it to VHS. This form is handed out or emailed to any potential donors of objects.
Do not simply copy the contents of this form for your organization's use! You can consider this a guiding document, but each local historical society or museum must think critically about what terms and conditions will be best for your use. You may wish to add additional terms or remove some, depending on how your organization operates.
Created by the Vermont Historical Society, 2023
