>           Anyway, this is all within the complex thread of "who owns
>           history" which has flared up in this list from time to time,
>           and, to me, is one of the museum community's most
>           interesting and vexing questions.
 
Not being one to over simplify things but I think you can find your answer
to ownership in the golden rule.  That is "He who has the Gold rules." or
at least has a heavy influence on those promoting it at the time.