How does the Museum obtain its artifacts?
The usual method of acquiring artifacts is through donations, with or without the issuance of a tax receipt to the donor. In certain cases, a potential donation may also be certified as a cultural property by Heritage Canada (through the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board), which not only ensures that the artifact remains in Canada but also offers greater tax benefits to the donor. Objects many also be purchased through auction or sale, although this is not the Museum’s preferred option, due to budgetary limitations. Artifacts are also acquired through transfer from other museums or from government departments or agencies, such as the aircraft of the Canadian Forces that have been made available upon their retirement by the Department of National Defence (DND). Occasionally, the Museum may also exchange artifacts that are surplus to its needs, through trade with other institutions or individuals. For example, a recent international transaction resulted in the acquisition of
