Memorabilia and Record Collections

[jobucats]

Many of us have collections albums and memorabilia of our favorite Motown artists which only a true fan would have. Recent studies have shown that the tradition of passing on our things, which hold value to us, to the next generation has become passe because the younger generation doesn't want that "junk."

In my case, no one in my family wants my vast collection of Motown albums/memorabilia. I have researched online as to where I might donate these things, however, with the exception of record stores that will "take a look at them and select a few albums" or a place like Goodwill or the Salvation Army where I suspect my items will be scattered all over the place. I can't even find universities or colleges interested in such items.

Do any of the forum members already have their plans in place for their collections and can offer advice? Thanks

[shoo-be-doo]

Could you send it to auction perhaps? A specialist music or entertainment auction house would surely be interested.

[jobucats]

Could you send it to auction perhaps? A specialist music or entertainment auction house would surely be interested.

Thanks, shoo-be-doo. I'll continue my quest "googling" those avenues.

[snakepit]

Memorabilia might be welcomed at Motown Museum , Hitsville USA.
Worth an email/call

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Or maybe a public library?

[arr&bee]

I've told my eldest daughter that my entire collection is hers after i'm gone..[she enjoys the classics more than my other two,now if i may offer a suggestion how about donating your collection to a college music department,i think it would be very much apprechiated.

[soulster]

In my case, no one in my family wants my vast collection of Motown albums/memorabilia. I have researched online as to where I might donate these things, however, with the exception of record stores that will "take a look at them and select a few albums" or a place like Goodwill or the Salvation Army where I suspect my items will be scattered all over the place. I can't even find universities or colleges interested in such items.

Shall I send you my mailing address?

[marv2]

Many of us have collections albums and memorabilia of our favorite Motown artists which only a true fan would have. Recent studies have shown that the tradition of passing on our things, which hold value to us, to the next generation has become passe because the younger generation doesn't want that "junk."

In my case, no one in my family wants my vast collection of Motown albums/memorabilia. I have researched online as to where I might donate these things, however, with the exception of record stores that will "take a look at them and select a few albums" or a place like Goodwill or the Salvation Army where I suspect my items will be scattered all over the place. I can't even find universities or colleges interested in such items.

Do any of the forum members already have their plans in place for their collections and can offer advice? Thanks

I've had the idea of either donating it to the main branch of my hometown library or to my undergraduate school's library.

[DWSheffer]

I would think memorabilia, especially period vintage and one of a kind type memorabilia [[personally owned/worn items, in-house awards, correspondence, photos, etc.) should be of interest to the Motown Museum, if they are fulfilling their mission to preserve and present the history of Motown. I know I personally have items in my collection that fit this bill and should be in their collection someday. If the Museum is not interested for some odd reason, I would agree that a music memorabilia auction house would be the best avenue to dispose of these items.

In the line of records, I would say a it's a tougher call. I would assume by now, the Museum has all the copies of any records they want for their archives. I don't think Motown records will ever be worthless. While the "fanatics" such as us will diminish in numbers over the years, I personally feel there will always be collectors of the Motown Sound. I'm 41 years old and have enjoyed Motown since I was around 10 years old. I'm still shelling out what I feel is decent money to add high grade records to my collection, be it minty LP's in the original shrink or scarce higher grade promo 45's. With the current increase of interest in vinyl records with younger folks, I think it's only natural they will seek out other music and branch out collecting other genres/eras. From what I've witnessed, interest in collecting or appreciating anything from a previous era generally skips a generation or two before another one finds them "interesting".

IF the proposed Museum addition is done well, I feel the interest in Motown is only bound to grow in the future. I feel it would be a disservice to yourself and all the care and money you put into your collection to see it sold for .99 cents a record at the Salvation Army! If no one in my family has any interest in my collection, personally I would rather see it sold to a record dealer or sent to a memorabilia auction house as the person buying the collection will take care of it at least.
Darin

[jobucats]

Thanks to all who provided great suggestions that I had not even considered.