If you wish to offer an object (an item, document, photo, book, etc.) as a donation to the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum, you may do so. You can contact us by sending an email to info@onderduikmuseum.nl.
To properly assess whether the object would be a valuable addition to our museum, we would like to receive as much information as possible, preferably supported by one or more photographs. The background story is often of invaluable importance; for instance, who was the owner, what was it used for, when was it used, and what is your relationship to the object? All information is welcome.

Acquisition procedure
What criteria do we use when considering the acquisition of an object?

• Do we already have a similar object in our possession?
• Can or will the object be a valuable addition to our existing collection?

The collection committee reviews the offer based on these criteria. They carefully assess whether the object provides added value to our current collection. The donor will receive a personal notification regarding whether we can include the object in our collection.

If the committee decides the object is of added value to the museum, it can be delivered to the museum. An appointment will be made with the donor for this purpose. Upon receipt, the collection committee will conduct a final assessment to ensure the object fits within the museum’s collection.

Upon acceptance
If the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum wishes to include the object in its collection, a deed of gift will be drawn up for a museum object. This will be sent to the donor in duplicate by post, with the request to return one signed copy in the enclosed stamped envelope. Should the object be assessed as non-museum quality but as a prop, it may be accepted as a prop, and an acknowledgment of receipt will be provided.

In the event of rejection
Should the collection committee ultimately decide not to include the object, it will be returned to the donor. If the donor chooses not to have the object returned, the museum is free to dispose of it as it sees fit (e.g., use it as a prop or find another home for it).

Bringing an object directly to the museum desk?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept objects presented directly at the desk. The collection committee is not present every day to assess items immediately. A proper evaluation requires more time.

You can, however, register an object at the museum desk
An ‘offer for collection’ form is available at the desk, which you can use to provide all relevant information. Based on this completed form, the collection committee will contact you regarding the possible acquisition of the object. The same criteria as mentioned above will apply.