As a museum director, archaeologist and museum store patron,
I think there should be a connection between exhibits and
stores - it's a wonderful opportunity for sales promotion,
and has many educational spin-off possibilities, as well.  I
believe the Society for American Archaeology's Code of
Ethics prohibits the sale of ANY archaeologically derived
materials, and we have incorporated that concept into our
institutional Code.

The Director who "doesn't know, and therefore doesn't care"
is wrong, in my opinion.  If the T-shirts his/her friends
group is selling ARE stolen, then his/her museum is going to
suffer the public relations fall out when they get caught.
I will not knowingly patronize a museum or museum store
which sells archaeologically derived artifacts.  Just my 2
cents.

Chris Dill

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C. L. Dill, Museum Director
State Historical Society of North Dakota
612 East Boulevard
Bismarck  ND  58505-0830
P: (701)328-2666
F: (701)328-3710
E:  [log in to unmask]
Visit our Web site at: http://www.state.nd.us/hist/
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