I would like to respond to a  letter posted by David Voelkel on August 6
in which he commented on the Maryland Historical Society’s sale of
antiques in its museum shop. Voelkl mentioned the possibility that these
items have been deaccessioned from our collection.

First, I would emphasize that none of the objects for sale in our shop
has ever been accessioned into the MHS collection.  They are consigned
to the shop by individuals, which affords  a cost-free resource for
inventory, while making items relevant to Maryland history available to
MHS visitors at a reasonable cost. The MHS is in full compliance with
AAM ethics codes. Signs are posted visibly throughout the retail display
area to the effect that none of the items for sale has ever been part of
the MHS collection.

Second, it is important to point out that the Maryland Historical
Society strictly enforces guidelines in the deaccessioning of objects. A
newly revisited and carefully delineated deaccessioning policy has
recently been approved by our board.

The MHS acquires objects for permanent retention, not with the thought
of ultimate disposal.  In the rare instance that the curatorial staff
recommends the deaccessioning of an object, the process involves three
review stages after the original donor is contacted: the decision is
reviewed first by a committee made up of specialists in the specific
collection area, then by the gallery committee, and finally by the full
board of trustees.

Deaccessioned items are appropriately disbursed in exchange with other
museums, as donation to other cultural or educational institutions, or
through carefully selected open sale or auction. Direct or indirect sale
of deaccessioned objects, transfer or donation to staff, committee
members, or trustees is strictly prohibited.

Dennis Fiori
Director

Posted by Louise T. Brownell
Chief Registrar
Maryland Historical Society
201 E. Monument Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410/685-3750

Visit our website at:  www.mdhs.org