I have a philosophical question on whether museums should encourage or
discourage private collecting.  As the Collections Curator at the Pro
Football Hall of Fame it is my responsibility to field questions from the
public regarding the value of their memorabilia on how they can sell their
memorabilia.  Often people mistakenly believe that we purchase memorabilia
which we do not.  Everything we collect is through donations.

Our institution wrestles with the dilemma, as a public service should we
help people determine the value of their memorabilia?  Should we help them
sell their memorabilia by pointing out reputable dealers and auction
houses?  Or is the memorabilia market and private collecting a source of
competition to our own acquisition efforts through donations?  Or does the
memorabilia market and private collecting generate interest in football
memorabilia in general and encourages collectors and the public to attend
our museum to see highly valuable memorabilia?

I’m sure many professionals can relate to this dilemma, since nearly all
museums collect objects or works of art that not only have historical
significance but also have monetary value in the open market.  Please let
me know what your opinions are on this issue.  If this issue, as to
whether museums should discourage or encourage private collecting, has
been discussed in museum publications please let me know.

Thanks

Jason Aikens
Collections Curator

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