I'd like to second David Haberstich's excellent reply on the usefulness of 
donor labels.  We are an art museum and always include donor information on 
the credit line, or we might indicate that it was a purchase, or a bequest. 
Basically the method of acquisition is included on the bottom line, just 
prior to the accession number.  We don't allow enormous dedications and so 
forth, but if someone wants to give a gift in honor of or in memory of 
someone else, we will allow that on the credit line.  We are the only museum 
in a small town, and I can assure you, our donors looooove having their 
names on the wall.  If, say, Mrs. Clark's donation is put on exhibit, word 
gets around, and pretty soon all the Clarks will come in to have a look at 
it.  It's just good PR.   It's not a *condition* of the gift, but donors are 
aware that it's our policy.  It's an easy and painless way to acknowledge 
contributions, and encourage others to perhaps consider donating theirs as 
well. A little healthy competition amongst the well-heeled in your community 
might not be such a bad thing!

Jill R. Chancey, Curator
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
PO Box 1108
Laurel, MS 39441
(601) 649-6374
www.LRMA.org
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
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).