This is a deaccessioning story with a legal twist. The home and contents 
of William Henry Seward (Secy of State, the short guy in Lincoln) in 
Auburn, NY was left to a local foundation with the intent of being a 
museum. The historic house didn't receive a state museum charter until 
2009, at which time some of the contents were legally transferred from 
foundation to museum - but not all. Foundation kept ownership of a 
Thomas Cole painting that was commissioned for and given to Seward and 
has hung in the house for most of its existence.

We're familiar with both the intent of wills and press release spin, 
please take a look and see what you think of the situation


http://auburnpub.com/news/local/valuable-painting-formerly-on-display-in-seward-house-to-be/article_a5ed7b03-9468-576f-8603-c16237c46956.html 

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