What is provenance and why do museums care about it?

Provenance is the documented history of who owned an object, from the time it was made to the present. It might include receipts, letters, photographs, exhibition records, auction catalogs or family records showing how the item passed from one owner to the next.

Museums care about provenance because it helps confirm authenticity, shows the item was legally obtained, and adds historical meaning. Gaps or questionable history can raise concerns, especially for archaeological material, art from periods of wartime upheaval, or culturally sensitive objects.

If you plan to donate, gather whatever you have, even informal notes about family stories. Write down what you know while older relatives are still able to share details. Good provenance also tends to help value if you later decide to sell the item instead.