As this list has been so helpful in the past...any ideas, thoughts or 
recommendations to this new situation would be helpful.

Our institution has been contacted about a "large collection of early 
Americana covering every conceivable implent of farming, industry and 
domestive life dating from the 1850's on (with a few possible objects from 
the 1600s, 1700s and early 1800s)."  At this time I do not know just how 
many objects we are talking about, but was told several hundred.

While the current owner decides what to do with her collection, she has 
asked for recommendations about how to start dealing with her collection in 
preparation for it's eventual and possible donation.  It has already been 
recommended to start with a complete computerized inventory of the 
collection (which would be in preparation for an appraisal) with digital 
photographs.  Just a note: The owner can not do this herself (she just 
turned 90) and there are no family members in the area to help with this 
task.  In addition, an oral history has also been recommended.

This leads to the question...what would you suggest to do in preparation 
for this possible donation?  Should the initial inventory be done by an 
appraiser or an outside consultant?  

Also, any recommendations for someone who does oral histories and/or 
inventoring of collections in New Jersey would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Lynn Laffey
Supervising Preservation Specialist
Morris County Park Commission

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).