Ella,

There was no intent of mine to gloss over any ethical issues. I can
only do so much as a graduate student assigned the task of developing
a strategic plan. This is a small building that is private property.

As for why this person is on a board, have you ever been involved in a
rural Appalachian community trying to keep some of their cultural
history? That is the main reason they are on the board. They are older
community members who have taken an interest in its history and
happened to have ownership of some of the buildings so they took a
direct interest in wanting to get these buildings into the hands of
the 501(c)3. Would folks rather these people be on the board and eager
to help, or would the list members rather they be antagonistic and
doing everything in their power to keep the buildings out of the
non-profit's hands? How would you go about telling this local
interested community member that they shouldn't take part in any votes
because of their vested interest? Or that their very presence on the
board is a bad thing?

Yes, we all understand that this has some touchy ethical challenges
for us as professional public historians. However, this is a poor
rural community doing the best they can with very limited resources. I
was trying to find practical advice on nuts and bolts here in museum-l
to help these folks, not start a debate on what is and is not ethical.

Have a nice day,
Garet

On Mon, Nov 1, 2010 at 8:44 AM, Aderman, Ella <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Wow!  You glossed right over the ethical issue of a board member selling the
> building to the organization.  While the amount stated may be under far
> market value, has it been appraised?  That board member ought to abstain
> from any decisions involved (and therefore why is that person on the board
> other than to sell the building?).
> ________________________________
> From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Garet Bleddynn
> Sent: Sun 10/31/2010 10:31 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Building Acquisition Help
>
> Hi, Linda,
>
> That's one reason we're doing this strategic plan for them. They
> approached the Center for Preservation at MTSU for help with getting
> their ducks in a row. The Center is using this opportunity with the
> graduate students to hit two birds with one stone.
>
> First, it gets us some rather in-depth training on a variety of public
> history topics.
> Second, it provides a very well-intentioned and motivated community
> guidance and knowledge.
>
> They are indeed very motivated, and they are willing to listen and
> follow our suggestions. This means we have the chance to do it right.
> Sustainability is key to anything we suggest.
>
> This community is fascinating as it was a resettlement colony under
> the New Deal. They have several of their original structures, and they
> have the opportunity to do a lot here. I am following my typical M.O.
> and throwing a broad net for information and knowledge.
>
> Thanks!
> Garet
>
> On Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 9:19 AM, Linda Norris
> <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> Hi Garet--
>>
>> Wow, there seem to be so many other issues than just where to find the
>> purchase price.  I might start with the ethical issues of a board member
>> selling a non-profit a building.
>>
>> You also might want to check out the new publication from the Museum
>> Association of New York, What Comes First:  Your Guide to Building a
>> Strong,
>> Sustainable Museum or Historical Organization (With Real Life Advice from
>> Folks Who’ve Done It), available at
>> http://manyonline.org/2010/10/manys-latest-publication-what-comes-first/.
>>
>> If an organization acquires a building, then the organization also has to
>> think about additional costs:  restoration, making it accessible and
>> usable
>> and a host of ongoing costs:  heating, air-conditioning, maintenance, etc,
>> etc.  So your fundraising would need to be far, far, more than the
>> purchase
>> price.  The vast majority of small history organizations struggle mightily
>> to maintain their historic buildings and meet their mission so I'd advise
>> serious consideration before doing so.
>>
>> Linda
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 10:06 AM, Garet Bleddynn <[log in to unmask]>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey, folks,
>>>
>>> I am helping a heritage farm association in Alabama with developing
>>> their strategic plan. The building they wish to use is a New Deal
>>> constructed rock commissary that is incredible. One of their board
>>> members currently owns it and has agreed to sell it to their 501(c)3
>>> for $50,000. I actually think that's a good idea. If the 501(c)3 can
>>> demonstrate the ability to purchase the building, odds are, they will
>>> have the ability to maintain it.
>>>
>>> They currently have between $8-$9,000 towards the purchase price.
>>>
>>> Now for my question. For those who are based out of historical
>>> structures, what methods did you use to obtain the funds needed to
>>> purchase it? Was it fundraising drives, some type of grant, etc?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> Garet Bleddynn
>>>
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>>
>>
>> --
>> Linda Norris
>>
>> Where to find me:
>> Blog: uncatalogedmuseum.blogspot.com
>> Twitter: lindabnorris
>> Website:  riverhillpartners.com
>> E-mail:  [log in to unmask]
>> Voice:  607-829-3501
>>
>> Riverhill
>> PO Box 232
>> Treadwell, NY  13846
>>
>>
>>
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