Monica--

We too have had things literally left on the door step without any name.
So far it has been material that we don't want, but have been able to
transfer either to another department here in the university or, in one
case, we gifted it to the local county history museum.  In each case, we
prepared a transfer or gift deed as we normally would, but included a
notation on how the items came into our posession.  If it was something no
one wanted, we would probably write up a form similar to our deaccession
form, again describing how the piece came into our hands, as well as its
disposition.  If it was a piece we did want, we would probably simply
create a deed of gift, but obviously could not send a copy to any one.

Regardless of disposition, it seems obvious that such drop-offs are
abandoned property.  However, too be very careful, one should probably
advertise for 2 or 3 weeks in a local newspaper requesting that the
anonymous donor come forward.

Pat Roath
Curator
Elizabeth Sage Historic Costume Collection
Indiana University
Bloomington
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On Mon, 5 Jan 1998, M. A. Ehr wrote:

> Recently, someone dropped off an item at our museum (literally left it on
> the front steps). We have no idea who left it, and no documentation
> whatsoever. It is not in very good shape, either, and we do not want to add
> it to our collections. Unfortunately, as it was donated anonymously, we
> can't give it back, either.
>
> The sticky part: neither Wisconsin statutes nor our collections policy
> address unsolicited anonymous "drop-off" donations. Has anyone else ever
> run into this situation? Does anyone have a policy that covers this type of
> situation? What about if the item was something we did intend to accession?
>
> Any assistance in clarifying our options/responsibilities in this matter
> will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Meg Ehr
> Curator
> Outagamie Museum and Houdini Historical Center
> 330 E. College Ave.
> Appleton, WI  54911
> (920) 735-9370
>