Our museum acquires objects in a similar manner. If we purchase an object,
it is usually because a benefactor has given us a contribution specifically
so the said object may be purchased.

Christine M. Dwyer, Director
Stanly County Museum &
Historic Preservation Commission
245 East Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
Tel: (704) 986-3777     Fax: (704) 986-3778






-----Original Message-----
From: Shirley S Albright [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 9:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: How public museums acquire new objects


While I cannot speak on behalf of all publicly-funded museums, I can relate
the experiences of my own institution - a state museum, supported in-part by
a civilian tax base.

This institution acquires new objects in a variety of ways:
1.  Object donations from corporate or individual donors.
2.  Acquisition fund-raisers organized by an affiliated non-profit support
group (which is not supported by the civilian tax base).
3.  Staff field work (for scientific or archaeological specimens).
4.  At one time the state DID contribute public funds for the acquisition of
objects relative to the state's decorative or fine arts legacy, but this has
not been the case for about a decade.
5.  Designated repository for salvaged archaeological materials from
publicly supported highway/construction projects.
6.  Encouragement of academics to deposit objects with the museum following
publication (we will provide a catalogue number to be used in publication)
if this "promissory arrangement" is agreed upon by both parties.
7.  Bequests from estates.
8.  Auction purchases.
9.  The funds from deaccessioned objects are used solely for acquisitions of
objects, but to date this  procedure has played a very minor role in the
whole scheme of acquisitions.

I'm sure I'm missing something, but this will at least get you started.
I'm not surprized that the public thinks their public-supported museums are
generously funded.   Over the last decade I have seen this institution enter
a kind of "never-never land" - where the museum is
encouraged to be a self sufficient as possible but without approval to
actively solicit funds except from government or foundation grants.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

Shirley Albright
New Jersey State Museum
Trenton, NJ

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