Regarding donating items to museums: here is a story that I hope is
not true but is in a biography of Walter Legge who was music producer
at HMV (Victor) in England in the 1940's and 50's.

Apparently he (Walter) had an extremely large and fine collection of
rare and early sound recordings.  Getting on in years he decided to
donate these (and there were a lot) to a museum.  Unfortunately he was
rejected by all, and the closest he came was a museum that offered to
take the collection as long as there was a money bequest as well in
order to look after the collection.  This was a bit of a downer as
Walter had expected a museum to be overjoyed with such a donation and
possibly have a statue in memory of him with the appropriate plaques
on the displays "Donated by...."

Walter apparently took the rejection badly and it is said he took his
collection out on his boat on a lake near where he lived and tossed the
collection into the lake!

A previous poster (Colin MacKinnon) gave advice that one could identify
with.  Museums do not necessarily have the capacity to take everything
that is offered to them.  And even if they accept it, it may not land
up on permanent display.  So its always a good idea to think about
passing it on to fellow collectors who would experience joy and
appreciation in preserving and looking after the object.  One day
when the time is right it may find a home in a museum.

Rejection is in no way a negative reflection on the item you wish
to donate.

Regards
Mike Moran
info@romfi.com