We cannot guarantee that any item donated to the Museum’s collection will be on permanent exhibit. Artifacts are regularly rotated so that they can be preserved from the elements, which could otherwise cause damage and/or deterioration. We also rotate artifacts to increase access to the many objects housed in the museum’s collection.

It is the Museum’s intention to utilize items in the collection to the fullest potential possible. In some cases, artifacts may become part of an exhibit, a traveling exhibition, or occasionally even loaned to other institutions for exhibition. In certain instances, donated artifacts will not be displayed, but will be archived and preserved for study by scholars and researchers for years to come.

Once the Museum accepts your donation into the collection, you will be asked to sign a Deed of Gift document, which legally transfers ownership of the materials to the Museum. Once the Deed of Gift has been signed, accessioned collection materials cannot be returned to donors.

Basu Museum & Cultural Center is recognized as a qualified charitable organization, thus the fair market value of your donated materials is generally tax deductible. To take advantage of your deduction, you must file tax form 1040 and, depending on the value of your donation, tax form 8283. To ensure that you receive the maximum tax benefit, it is recommended that you consult with your own accountant, attorney, and/or the Internal Revenue Service. You may also consult Internal Revenue Service Publication No. 526, Charitable Contributions, and Publication No. 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.

No. We cannot provide appraisals of the monetary value of materials proposed for donation or for any other reason, because the Internal Revenue Service regards museums and libraries as interested parties. Monetary appraisals prepared for donors by such institutions are subject to question or disqualification. However, professional appraisers do perform this service for a fee. To find a licensed appraiser in your area, contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers, or the Appraisers Association of America for a referral.

Yes. The Museum notifies all donors by email in the event that their contribution to the collection is displayed.

In-Kind Gift Form (we are currently working on the form)

If you have decided to donate a doll to the museum please email this form. We will send instructions on how to get the donation to us. If you are in the area and would like to bring the donation please contact Pam Basu.

The dolls are currently housed in a 1,500 square foot building and we are accepting donations for our new 7,000 square foot building.

Entry to the museum if FREE; however, it is best to contact Pam Basu before heading over. This will ensure you and your group have the best possible experience.

We are open from 9A until 6P in the Spring, Summer & Autumn. Winter hours vary. Contact Pam Basu to plan your visit.

13643 Florida Ave., Pembroke Township IL 60958
Google Basu Natural Farms and view the resulting map.

The Museum is for all ages, but those 15 and under need an adult guardian with them.

No food or beverages will be permitted inside the Museum. We have a kitchen and seating area to enjoy your food and beverages. We serve Soul Food, Caribbean food and snacks for all ages.

Yes, the museum is available for group rental. Please contact Pam Basu if you’re interested.

We are located on the Basu Natural Farms. Our farm is pet friendly. While you are here we can have some of our animals for you to see.

Sure, but it is best to make arrangements with Pam Basu.

Absolutely! We welcome any and all cameras into the Museum, but please leave your tripods and large setups outside as space is limited inside the building.

We have a campground. Bring your hammock, tent, RV or other means of comfort to hang out overnight. Contact Pam Basu to make arrangements as we may have other events and space is limited.

That depends on how much you are in to the history of We Are the World exhibit. You could get through it in an hour if pressed for time, but you could easily spend 3 or 4 hours, there are interactive elements and lots to see. If you like dolls and want to increase your knowledge of dolls, you could easily spend an entire day. There is also a restaurant and big gift shop.

Parking is free, unless there is a large concert event on the grounds, then you may have to pay for parking.

Yes, we have a gif shop that offer a lot of things. We specialize in Herbal remedies that are hand made from plants grown on the faym.

Yes, this in an accessible facility. Sorry, we do not provide scooter or other mobility devices at this time.

Read about the museum and its ownership here - click here

The museum cares deeply about the health and safety of its visitors and staff. We have taken measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure to you, other visitors, and our staff. Nonetheless, COVID-19 is very contagious and there is an inherent risk of exposure in any public environment where people are present. Those visiting the museum do so at their own risk of exposure. See COVID-19 Safety Measures: What to Expect When Visiting for detailed information.

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The museum does not partner with tour organizations or companies