Donating to the Archives and Special Collections
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Thank you for considering a donation to the Marion B. Gebbie Archives and Special Collections. Both gifts of money and gifts in kind (rare books, manuscripts, art work, photographs, etc...) are accepted and greatly appreciated. Such donations enrich the research experience at the Archives and Special Collections. While most donations are tax deductible, the Marion B. Gebbie Archives and Special Collections does not preform appraisals. Individuals wishing to use donations for tax purposes must obtain an appraisal of the item prior to donating. Individuals should contact the Archives and Special Collections with questions or concerns about the donation process. |
 Students in Everett Courtyard, date unknown |
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Please follow the links below for specific regulations and directions for donating to the Archives and Special Collections: Monetary Donations | Gifts in Kind | Acceptable Gifts | Appraisals & Tax Info | Receipt Form |
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Monetary Donations
Monetary contributions of any size to the Archives and Special Collections are welcome and very much appreciated. Such donations can be made online, over the phone, in person, or by postal mail. In order for this donation to be made specifically to the Archives and Special Collections the donor must indicate that such is his or her desire. Visit the Giving to Wheaton web page for more information.
Gifts in Kind
The Archives and Special Collections staff appreciates donations of unique materials. However, due to storage limitations and individuals wishing to donate should contact staff prior to delivery. Prospective donors can contact Archivist and Special Collections Curator Zephorene Stickney, either by phone (508-286-3712) or e-mail (stickney_zephorene@wheatoncollege.edu), to determine the item's eligibility. Gifts that do not meet the criteria for acceptance may be refused during the initial contact.
It is understood that all gifts, once approved by staff, become the property of the Marion B. Gebbie Archives and Special Collections. As owner of the materials, the Archives and Special Collections will utilize them in its best interest.
Acceptable Donations
Listed below are general guidelines for donations to the Archives and Special Collections. Individuals should contact an Archivist if he or she is unsure whether or not his or her items meet the criteria as a donation to the Marion B. Gebbie Archives and Special Collection.
Archival items that have relevance to Wheaton College such as:
- Student and Alumnae/i publications
- Faculty/Staff publications written, researched, or published while in Wheaton College employ
- Manuscript materials and ephemera related to Wheaton College, such as diaries, letters and correspondence
- Biographical and Genealogical Materials
- Financial, Legal, and Business Files
- Educational Materials, such as papers and exams
- Audio and Video Recordings
- Pictorial Materials
- Scrapbooks
For a more complete list of items the College Archives is seeking, please click on one of the links below (PDF or Word.doc):
SuggestedDonations.PDF ♥ SuggestedDonations.doc
Items that enhance Special Collections. The Collections are especially looking for :
- 19th Century and earlier publications from England and Europe
- Incunabula
- 19th Century and 20th century materials about the underside of life such as child abuse, employment/unemployment, and living conditions
- Literature by and about women, families, and gender issues
- 18th Century periodicals
- Large collections in special areas
- Manuscript Materials of any era:
- Careers of women and the family
- Gender issues
- Child rearing
- Diaries, journals, letters
Appraisals and Tax Deductions
If a donor desires an appraisal for tax purposes, it is the responsibility of that donor to obtain the appraisal at his or her own expense. The donor should submit a copy of the appraisal with the donation to the Archives and Special Collections. As the IRS considers the Archives and Special Collections the recipient of the gift and subsequently an interested party, it is legally disqualified as an appraiser of the gift. If a donor wishes an official acknowledgment letter for tax purposes from the College Development Office, the donation must be appraised. If there is no appraisal, the Archives and Special Collections will provide a proof of receipt letter that describes the items donated.
Unsolicited gifts are acknowledged only if accepted. Accepted gifts are acknowledged by letter and describe the gift and the date received. A faculty or staff donor, who is known to frequently give during the year, will receive an annual acknowledgment of receipt letter.
See IRS regulations and forms below for government requirements regarding appraisal
and tax deductions:
IRS Publication 561: Determining the Value of Donated Property.
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf
IRS Publication Form 8283: Non cash Charitable Contributions
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8283.pdf
IRS Publication Form 8283 instructions: Non cash Charitable Contributions.
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8283.pdf
For ordering forms, instructions, and publications call: 1-800-829-3676
For donors wishing items appraised for tax purpose the short list of appraisers below may be helpful:
American Society of Appraisers will provide a list of certified appraisers in your local area.
Tel. No. 1-800-ASA-VALU.
www.appraisers.org/
Book-Appraisal.com is a member of The Association of Online Appraisers. You can get a book appraised online for a small charge, and receive a certificate with the results in
three days by e-mail. There is a regular mail option for an added charge.
www.book-appraisal.com
Gift Receipt Form
A copy of this form must be submitted with each donation. Individuals may follow the links below to open the form in either a word document or PDF. If individuals wish for a hard copy of the form to be sent to their home or business address please contact an Archivist.