Recently, someone dropped off an item at our museum (literally left it on
the front steps). We have no idea who left it, and no documentation
whatsoever. It is not in very good shape, either, and we do not want to add
it to our collections. Unfortunately, as it was donated anonymously, we
can't give it back, either.

The sticky part: neither Wisconsin statutes nor our collections policy
address unsolicited anonymous "drop-off" donations. Has anyone else ever
run into this situation? Does anyone have a policy that covers this type of
situation? What about if the item was something we did intend to accession?

Any assistance in clarifying our options/responsibilities in this matter
will be appreciated.

Thanks

Meg Ehr
Curator
Outagamie Museum and Houdini Historical Center
330 E. College Ave.
Appleton, WI  54911
(920) 735-9370