Below is a case study on the acquisition process of an artifact  into a museum collection

John Doe has discovered his grandmother's scarf that she wore as a nurse in World War II. John Doe takes it to his local museum in Warner Robins, Ga, that has a military collection. The registrar or a staff member of the museum will meet John Doe to inquire about the scarf. The registrar determines the scarf is an item that aligns with their collection and mission of military history. The registrar also determines that the item is in the means to be cared for by the museum and request proof of ownership from John Doe. Doe brings a picture of his grandmother with the scarf on and her will that left her estate to him. The registrar evaluates the conditions of the scarf and the history behind it and its associations, and the ethical and physical report is prepared to present to the approving authority. The curator of the museum has to evaluate the item is suitable for accession. The curator agrees with the registrar that the item aligns with their collection and proceeds to present the artifact to the board of directors for final approval for accessioning with ethical and physical reports for the item. The board of directors voted that the item is beneficial to the collection and agrees to accession. John Doe is required to sign a deed of gift and give ownership of the scarf to the museum as an outright gift. The museum gives written acceptance to John Doe of the scarf and a proof the museum gives a physical receipt to John Doe and retains a copy for themselves. The registrar is now responsible for placing the item into the collection. The registrar must create a condition report and create a file that contains the background information of the scarf. The scarf receives an accession number that is uniquely used to identify the artifact. The artifact is placed in collection storage away from direct sunlight in a controlled temperature location and is available for display and educational use. ​