I agree (for the most part) with Jennifer. Regardless of the size or staff training of the sending institution I think an "educational" letter to the director would be appropriate. Why set yourself up for a possible confrontation by sending a "scolding" letter? There are by far more understaffed/undertrained institutions in the U.S. than properly staffed/trained. Therefore, the odds are the package came from a well meaning small institution. This would be an excellent opportunity to provide some helpful information to that institution, regardless of its size. 

Brian W. Bray
Historic Sites Manager
City of Nacogdoches, TX
[log in to unmask]
936-560-5426 phone
936-554-1927 cell phone
936-569-9813 fax

>>> [log in to unmask] 02/02/05 11:13AM >>>
Do you know what size/type of museum the offending organization was?
Depending the level of professional staffing, it might be more
appropriate to respond by explaining why the way they handled the
situation was inappropriate, rather than immediately jumping down their
throats.  I can easily see a very well-meaning, but perhaps less
well-trained curator thinking they were doing the best thing for the
objects.  You could make this a learning experience for them, instead of
just a negative attack.  If, however, it came from someone who should
have known better, then I think a letter to the director would
definitely be appropriate.

**************************
Jennifer Gayman Ruffner
Heritage Coordinator
Queen Anne's County, Maryland

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