Nina
This is a problem that we in natural history collections deal with quite frequently. Anthropology collections also have issues around housing and displaying itms that include feathers etc. from endangered species – Native American headdresses etc.
You have the potential of running foul of US Fish and Wildlife and other agencies if they become aware of this illegal material. Some natural history collections have a rigorous accessioning policy in place to negate any future problems with illegally procured material. We need to supply collecting permits, import and export permits and deeds of gift for all material to be cataloged into our collections. Most of the institutions that have these policies in place do so because they have been burnt in the past due to illegal material being uncovered and at times being reclaimed
I am not sure how rigorously soil is treated by these agencies but do know that plant specimens have been unused back upon import into the US because they contain too much soil attached to roots that may include potential invasive species of microbes etc. I think you will have less of a problem with your "celebrity" samples unless they are from outside of the US.
I would be reluctant to display, keep or accept this material into your collection on those grounds.
Hope that helps
Andy
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Andy Bentley
Ichthyology Collection Manager/Specify Usability Lead
University of Kansas
Natural History Museum & Biodiversity Research Center
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard
Lawrence, KS, 66045-7593
USA
Tel: (785) 864-3863
Fax: (785) 864-5335
Email: [log in to unmask]
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From: Nina Simon <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Reply-To: Museum list <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2012 11:07 AM
To: Museum list <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: exhibiting illegally-obtained dirt?
This one is for the museum lawyers and collection management gurus out there.
For an upcoming temporary exhibition on collections, we would like to show a collection of vials of dirt that a local naturalist collected on her travels around the world. The challenge is that much of this dirt was transferred into the US illegally (i.e. from countries where they are strict about making sure that organic material doesn't enter or leave the country) or was obtained with some trespassing (i.e. from celebrities' yards). She is nervous about exhibiting the dirt in public for this reason.
My sense is that if we can call this art, it might not be a problem. Frankly, I don't think it's a big problem period - there's no real risk or danger to the dirt - but I want to learn more about how to address this issue. Do you know anyone who might have some expertise to bear in this arena?
Thank you,
Nina
Nina Simon
Executive Director
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
831.429.1964 x7018
Come visit us at 705 Front Street in Santa Cruz
Get involved at www.santacruzmah.org<http://www.santacruzmah.org/> or on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/santacruzmah>
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