Yorkshire Museum in York, England, is offering people a unique chance to sponsor a Viking Age artifact. The new initiative, Adopt an Object, is part of a desire to offer history enthusiasts the chance to interact with the collections at the museum in new and exciting ways.
Strengthening bonds
Fundraising is often crucial for museums. Although most receive income from admissions and government support, the help of the general public can also go a long way to preserving the most important artifacts.
In a new scheme, Yorkshire Museum has found an innovative way of raising more money for maintaining current collections and also future projects—the Adopt an Object initiative.
In connection with the Viking North exhibition, a total of 14 special artifacts and hoards have been made available for members of the general public to adopt.
It is hoped that people who take advantage of the offer will develop a deeper affinity with the artifact in question. Perhaps even more importantly, they will also provide a valuable contribution to help ensure the future of the museum.
"We are delighted to be able to offer an Adopt an Object program as part of Viking North," comments Dawn Clements, head of development at York Museums Trust, to The Viking Herald.
"Those who choose to donate to the program will receive a personalized certificate to thank them for their generosity to York Museums Trust. The adoptions can also be given as gifts and are suitable for all ages who might already be history lovers, or people who are yet to discover the wonders of the Yorkshire Museum."
The Vale of York Hoard, discovered in North Yorkshire in 2007, contains more than 600 silver coins and artifacts. Photo: The Trustees of the British Museum
Historic artifacts of Jorvik and Yorkshire
Yorkshire Museum is located in York, the northern English city formerly known as Jorvik—a Viking stronghold ruled by both Ivar the Boneless and Eric Bloodaxe.
This year has seen the opening of Viking North, a new exhibition at the museum that narrates the story of Viking influence on the wider region.
The objects available for adoption include some true Viking classics. One star item is the Thor's hammer pendant, a unique gold hammer inlay recently acquired by the museum. You can also adopt the Coppergate Helmet, an Anglo-Saxon helmet discovered in the historic Coppergate excavations in the center of York.
The Bedale and Vale of York hoards are both also up for adoption. The Bedale Hoard was found in North Yorkshire in 2012 and contains elements from Western Europe, Scandinavia, and even the Islamic Caliphate.
The Vale of York Hoard, discovered by two metal detectorists in 2007, also in North Yorkshire, contains more than 600 silver coins and has been valued at just over 1 million GBP (1.35 million USD).
Available for adoption, the Coppergate Helmet is an Anglo-Saxon artifact uncovered in the center of York. Photo: York Museums Trust
Giving something back
"The artifacts on display in Viking North are incredible finds which tell us about the rich history of the north of England and what life may have looked like when the Vikings arrived and settled here," states Dawn Clements.
If the scheme is successful, it is hoped it will help preserve both the artifacts and the museum itself for future generations.
"The connections to York and Yorkshire stories are at the heart of the exhibition," adds Dawn Clements. "The money raised through the program can allow the Yorkshire Museum to care for this remarkable collection, as well as helping to support wider activity such as maintaining the buildings and museum gardens."
Other objects include a Viking silk cap, a bone plaque, the Ormside Bowl, and several pieces of important stonework.
A full list can be found on the Yorkshire Museum website. To adopt an object, simply peruse the range of offerings on the relevant page, select your favorite, and make the donation!
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