What to do
 

I have inherited an old Victorian domed trunk from 1870s that is full of family clothes. Beautiful plum colored 2-piece fancy long dress and some other clothes. We know who this stuff belonged to. I have saved everything else that belonged to the family, like many letters, lots of paperwork, etc. But I don't really want these clothes and this trunk. It has been parked in my living room for a few months now and I'm tired of it! Wew! Just had to vent. Should I donate this stuff to historial society, or try to sell it or what? I have no place to keep it and my kids are not iterested.

Trunks are collectables so if it is in decent shape you could probably sell that. If you have a local historical society or museum I am sure they would be interested in it as well as any clothing. Clothing from a bygone era is a wonderful thing to preserve. Not only does it preserve the history of garments, but we can reproduce fabrics and patterns based off the clothing. Please don't throw it away - if push comes to shove and you are thinking of throwing it away, PM me. I'd take it off your hands and pay for the shipping. :)

I would get it evaluated, and then give it to a historcial society. There may be benefit for you some place , like giving it as a gift, and a tax deduction. Rules are different in different states. The thing is, SOMEONE should get something out of it as it
was saved all those years.

Thanks for the advice...I would never discard it as we love antiques, etc., but we have just been overwhelmed with things lilke this since my MIL passed away. It's just a shame to stick it in my attic or wherever to sit there until my kids have to make a decision about it. As of now, they don't want any of it.

I'm glad (and relieved!) to hear you would not just discard it. Sometimes people have been known to do that just to get things out of their hair. I agree with the PP who said have it evaluated. As I said, trunks are collectables and it may have some value. I don't know about the clothing, but at the least I think a historical society would be interested. Good luck!

ditto to others .... check with your local historical society as to their interest on all.

I know you said you don't want it ... though, these trunks can often be cleaned up and/or refinished to be beautiful pieces. Just a thought, before you send it away.

I've used one in the past for fabric storage, and would love one now to consolidate the extra batting pieces.
I know a lot of people like them for toy trunks.

Have you checked with other family members to see if any of them want it?

Also, if you don't care if it is valuable, or that it is preserved, you can see if there is a Little Theater or something like it that can use it for costumes.

A school, college or university may be interested in the clothing and trunk for history classes, library or theatre classes/performances

"As of now" being the key words!! When I was 27, I had the opportunity to sit with my auntie and learn a LOT of family history. I didn't do it. I was too busy living my own life to be bothered to listen to her talk about "dead people". I didn't have much appreciation for heirlooms either, I'd have much rather had new. I'm paying for that attitude now. Put it in the attic. The kids may change their minds... OR check with cousins that may have an interest!!

Is there a quilt museum not to far from you. If I remember right, I was in deleware and went to it. Maybe in Wilmington, they had displays of rooms from that era. They might be interested.

Document. Take pictures of the trunk and all of the clothing. Its part of the family history and genealogy. Kids may say they do not care, but what about the grands or great grands?? Who will remember to tell them or leave a diary of what was and who was. Donate to musem in local area or historical group, but record the facts and preserve them for family genealogy. Too much is lost today. Ask me; I know.