ArteFACT
DONATION
DONATE AN ARTEFACT
The National Air Force Museum of Canada has been collecting artefacts related and historically significant to Canadian military aviation for over 40 years. The Museum’s Collection Development Policy mandates only objects related to Canadian air force history can be accepted into the collection. Factors such as the condition and provenance can determine whether objects are suited for the Museum’s collection.
If you are interested in donating an item(s) to the NAFMC Collection, please start the acquisition process by completing the Donation Inquiry form on this page.
A member of the curatorial team will reach out to you about your potential donation within ten (10) business days to discuss the donation process and make further arrangements for donating in person or by mail.
Walk-in or mailed donations that have not been approved by the curatorial department will not be accepted. Items that are left at the Museum or received via mail without paperwork will be returned at sender’s cost or disposed of.
All potential donors must provide an itemized listing, with a brief description of every item (e.g. title, timeline, provenance) and photographs of the items in order for Curatorial staff to assess the item(s) for potential donation.
Book Donation
We do not accept published works into the NAFMC Collections. If you have a book or collection of books that you are interested in donating, the Museum’s Gift Shop may be interested.
Donation FAQ
Is the NAFMC accepting artefact donations?
Yes! The Museum is interested in items that relate to Canadian military aviation. However, we do not accept everything. To know whether your item(s) would be accepted into our collection, fill out the Donation Inquiry form.
What is a Donation Agreement?
A donation agreement is a contract that outlines full transfer of ownership of items to the NAFMC. All artefact donations require a donation agreement to be signed by the donor and a representative of the Museum. The National Air Force Museum of Canada is a non-public entity within the Department of National Defence. All items donated to the Museum become public property, and thus crown assets.
Can I loan my item(s) if I'm not ready to donate them?
The Museum is not able to accept loans of artefacts that do not have a clearly defined role in our exhibit schedule or that have an indefinite return date.
Will my donation be put on display?
The decision to display / exhibit artefacts depends on the Museum’s exhibition policy and exhibit schedule. We do not guarantee display of any artefact(s).
Once an artefact is donated, it can be used for a variety of purposes. This can include research, loans to other accredited cultural institutions, and exhibits. Only a small percentage of our collection is on display at any given time. Items may rotate on and off display depending on exhibit schedules.
What happens to items that are not on display?
All donated artefacts are entered into the Museum’s collection and stored in a climate controlled environment. Being in storage allows artefacts to rest and recover away from damaging UV light and the shifts in temperature and humidity. In order to ensure the long term preservation of our collection, it is preferable that all artefacts spend time in storage.
Artefacts that are not on display can be viewed by appointment only.
Some artefacts may be loaned out to accredited institutions as part of the Museum’s regular exhibition activity and/or outreach programs, and utilized for research purposes both by Museum staff and external researchers.
What happens if I change my mind after the donation process?
By signing a donation agreement you are transferring full ownership of the item to the Museum in perpetuity. Once the agreement has been signed, the items cannot be returned. If you have any concerns about the donation process, please reach out before signing the donation agreement.
Can I "borrow" my items after I've donated them?
Due to the increased risk of loss or damage, the Museum does not loan objects to individuals.
Donation Inquiries
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ONSITE SERVICES
From guided tours led by knowledgeable docents to interactive exhibits providing immersive insights into the history of Canadian aviation, the museum offers educational opportunities for individuals and groups alike. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of amenities such as a gift shop offering aviation-themed memorabilia and souvenirs. The museum also hosts special events, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year, making it a dynamic destination for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking an engaging and enriching outing.
FEATURED ExhibitS
DISCOVER YOUR AIR FORCE
Did you know the RCAF had K9s? Or that there was a Tim Horton’s opened in Kandahar? Have you heard of the SWINTER Trials? Discover the people, places, and events that have shaped Canada’s air force history. Featuring unique artefacts from our collection, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations, our exhibits bring the rich history of Canadian aviation to life.
