Adopt History: Science Museum’s Unique Gift Scheme

The Science Museum in London has launched an innovative “Adopt an Object” scheme, offering a unique solution for finding gifts for those who seemingly “have everything.” This initiative allows individuals to symbolically adopt a piece of history from the museum's extensive collection, making for an extraordinary and thoughtful present.

The main definition of the scheme involves selecting one of six iconic objects available for adoption, with contributions starting from £3 a month for a year. While the adoption is symbolic, it offers numerous benefits. Adoptees receive a digital adoption certificate, a personalized thank you email from the Head of Collections, and biannual email updates from the Science Museum, all of which can be customized for a specific giftee. This makes it an ideal, hassle-free Christmas present, requiring no physical wrapping. Furthermore, the adopted objects remain on display at the museum, allowing visitors to see them in person. Crucially, the funds generated from these adoptions directly support the upkeep and preservation of the museum's vast collections, contributing to one of London's esteemed free-entry institutions.

The primary “risk” or limitation mentioned is that adoptees cannot physically take the objects home, as the adoption is entirely symbolic. However, the unique nature of the gift and its contribution to cultural preservation largely outweigh this.

Specific examples of fascinating objects available for adoption highlight the scheme's appeal. These include a sample of penicillium mould discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1935, a 1934 Enigma Cypher Machine vital for Second World War codebreaking, and a charming 112-year-old Steiff golden mohair teddy bear from 1913. Other intriguing items are an antenna cleverly disguised as a cactus and an early version of a flushing toilet dating back to 1870. This diverse selection ensures there's an object to capture almost any interest, transforming a typical gift into a meaningful contribution to scientific and historical heritage.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/science-museum-christmas-present-adopt-an-object)