Casandra,

If a deed of gift was filled out and signed by the donor, it is really up to
the institution on what they want to do with it.  I'm sure you have some
documentation, at least for tax purposes, of the donor giving this item to
the museum. If the intention of the donor was to help the museum raise
money, i.e. was the item solicited under the guise of fundraising? You
should ask them if it is okay to keep it and get a deed of gift filled out
if that has not yet been done.  There is nothing really unethical about
this as long as the donor is on board with this decision.

Good luck,

Grant Gerlich, CA
Mercy Heritage Center


On Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 9:33 AM, Cass Karl <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hello listers!
>
> I am hoping that someone on the list can settle an argument between myself
> and a colleague...
>
> If an institution sells (say in a fundraising auction) an antique item (say
> an autographed 1st ed. book)  that was donated for the sale, but would
> really be more appropriately kept for the collection, is that a) illegal, b)
> unethical, c) neither of these, but still just not a good idea?  Please cite
> a source to support your position if you can.
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Casandra Karl
> Executive Director
> Mission Historical Museum
> Mission, TX
>
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