May 12, 1999

Dear Colleagues:

I am writing in the hope that you can assist me in gathering information
about the fate of objects being abandoned at the doorsteps of museums,
cultural institutions and memorials.   I have been involved with numerous
museums in New Jersey and all of them have experienced the problem of dealing
with items/objects being left uninvited at their facilities.  Some examples
of this include - but are surely not limited to - items left with security
guards or receptionists, material hung on front doors, or objects purposely
left at memorial sites as a tribute.  I am interested in information on the
ways in which institutions deal with these items from unknown sources.  I
want to explore what is done with this material.  Also, please include
information about any legislation and/or museum policies in place that are
relevant to these practices.

If you would take a few moments and complete this questionnaire, it would be
of great help to me.  This information is being gathered for a Master's
Thesis in Museum Professions at Seton Hall University.  Your responses can be
returned to me via regular mail, fax or e-mail.  If you would care to discuss
this with me, I may also be reached at the telephone number or e-mail listed
below.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,


Katie Jones
359 Upper Mountain Avenue
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: (973) 744-1503
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Fax: (732) 335-1107

Objects Being Abandoned at Doorsteps of Museums, Cultural Institutions and
Memorials



Have individuals left or abandoned objects at your facility at any time?
YES             NO

        If so, what type?
__________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

        If so, how often?
_________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Do you have any policy for handling this?                       YES
NO

Please explain.
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Are you aware if your state or municipality has any legislation in place that
would relate to these circumstances?  If so, please explain.
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________


Does your collections management policy deal with abandoned
objects?____________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

If you have any other comments that relate to this topic of study, please
note them on the reverse or on an additional sheet.

Name_________________________________________

Institution ______________________________________

Thank you.

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