Q: What does the Air Zoo collect?  

The Air Zoo’s collections focus on objects, documents, photographs, and other materials that: 

• Tell the national aviation and aerospace story through a Michigan or Midwestern lens.
• Represent significant and pioneering events and people in aviation and aerospace history. 
• Support the interpretation of our collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts. 
• Encourage engagement and unique learning experiences through aviation and aerospace history and science. 

As home to the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans Association collection, we also collect items related to the Guadalcanal campaign of World War II (Aug. 1942 – Feb. 1943).  

Please see our Donation Wish List for specific items we are currently seeking to support our exhibits and program development.

The Air Zoo is not inclined to accept the following types of items: 

• Aircraft instruments or other items containing radon, radium paint, or other radioactive and hazardous elements.
• Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons.
• Military items not related to aviation and aerospace EXCEPT for items related to the Guadalcanal campaign. 
• Uniforms without identifying features (insignia, medals, nametags, etc.) or not related to aviation, aerospace, or the Guadalcanal campaign.
• Models or model kits produced after 1950.
• Newspapers.
• VHS tapes.
• Prints and lithographs of artwork.
• Japanese Good Luck Flags (yosegaki hinomaru).

Q: How are donation offers reviewed? 

After receiving the Collections Donation Worksheet and photos, collections and exhibits staff will research the information submitted and present it to our Collections Committee that meets on a regular basis. 

In determining what items are accepted for acquisition, we use the following criteria: 

• The item’s condition and subject matter is appropriate for exhibition, educational, or research purposes, where applicable.
• The item was associated with a notable person or event in aviation/aerospace history.
• The item represents a technological or scientific innovation relating to the history of aviation and aerospace.
• The item has intrinsic value as an example of its type, is one of a kind, or has an association with the Air Zoo’s existing collection of aircraft and objects.
• The Air Zoo has the resources to properly exhibit, store, preserve, or otherwise maintain the item(s).
• The Air Zoo will not accept donations by which the donor places restrictions on their use. 

If during the donation review process, it is determined that an item does not meet the required criteria for acquisition, the item may be declined. In the case of items deposited for consideration but not accepted, you will be notified and expected to reclaim the item. Items not reclaimed after one month will be disposed of by the Air Zoo.  

Q: Can’t I just bring my items to the Air Zoo for donation?  

No. We are unable to accommodate unsolicited donations. Once a donation offer has been accepted by our Collections Committee, you will be contacted by our staff to coordinate delivery of your donation to us. Items can only be shipped or brought to the museum after written confirmation from the Collections & Library Manager. 
Unsolicited items left at the front desk or mailed to the Air Zoo will not be considered for acquisition. The Air Zoo reserves the right to dispose of unsolicited or abandoned items as we see fit.  

Q: Will my donated items go on display?  

Like all museums, only a small percentage of our collection is on view at any given time. The rest is kept in secure, climate-controlled storage and is used for research, future exhibits, or public programming.  While we cannot guarantee when or if an item will go on display, we can promise that donated items are preserved and cared for as a valued part of our collection for future generations. 

Q: Will the Air Zoo ever remove something that I donated from the collection? 

It is possible for donated items to be removed when we periodically evaluate our collection. Deaccessioning – the permanent removal of objects from the collection – is an integral part of collections management. It is not undertaken lightly, and any object considered for removal is subject to several layers of review and approval. Disposal options often include transfer to the Air Zoo’s educational collection or transfer to another museum. During this process, the museum adheres to guidelines outlined in our Collections Management Policy . 

Q: Will the Air Zoo return donated materials upon request?  

The Air Zoo cannot return donated materials to the donor or their descendants. When the Deed of Gift is signed, ownership of the materials is legally transferred to the museum.

Q: Can the Air Zoo provide an appraisal of my donation?

The Air Zoo is prohibited from providing monetary estimates to individuals or organizations of the value of items, even if it has been donated to the Air Zoo. Donors seeking an appraisal must seek the services of an accredited appraiser. Any appraisal of your items should be completed prior to donating it to the Air Zoo.   

You can contact one of the following organizations to find appraisers in your area:  

• American Society of Appraisers
• International Society of Appraisers
• Appraisers Association of America

Q: I’m not sure if my object is right for the Air Zoo, should I still fill out a Collections Donation Worksheet?  

Yes! Even if you are unsure, completing our Collections Donation Worksheet is a great way to get in contact with us and start a conversation.