That's an interesting slant on carrying out the last wishes of the deceased,
on the part of his/her executors! You may need some legal advice, but my
first reaction would be to comply with the request for the statement of
appropriateness to the collection: although it's really none of their
business, it is something you, in your responsibility to the collection and
the museum, should have thought about anyway. If you cannot answer in the
affirmative for each item selected, then what were you doing collecting it?
as to the second demand, you don't want to commit your institution to a
situation which limits your ability to act in its better interests. There
are many instances of unexpected events which lead to a decision to
de-accession certain collection items. In any case, most museums don't like
gifts with strings attached. I suggest that you read up on the
de-accessioning question as well as the problem of accepting collection
items with conditions, so that you are ready with some arguments for these
folks. One museum which has dealt with the issue quite thoroughly is the
Glenbow in Calgary, but there are many others.


At 10:15 AM 30/03/99 -0500, you wrote:
> We are a county historical society, who recieved a bequest in the will of one
>of our local citizens, directing us to select any "tangible personal property
>from my home"  which we  "shall deem to have historical value to such
>respective society..."
>
>The lawyer and executors of the will are unwilling to let us have the items we
>have selected, unless we comply with their request (which I have copied, below,
>HS is Historical Society--us):
>
>"The Coexecutors are accountable to parties other than the
>HS for items in and about the house.  The Co-Ex will require a statement from
>the curator regarding each particular item selected for the benefit of the HS.
>For example, if the HS already has a particular item but believes that Mr. B;s
>article would upgrade that item, then a statement can be made indicating such.
>If the HS wishes to present a particular scene or wishes to establish a
>collection of certain articles representative of WC and the particular item
>will contribute to that collection or scene, then it can be so stated.  In
>short, there should be an explanation of how a particular item will enhance
>the HS's permanent collection.  If it cannot be explained, the then HS will
>not receive the item.
>        In addition, I will need the assurance of the curator, who has the
>professional ability to make appropriate commentary, that the items selected
>will be part of the permanent collection and will not be used for resale or
>any other purposes not directly related to the Society's permanent colletion."
>
>Is this reasonable?  Should we comply?  We have selected several hundred items.
> Has anyone had a similar problem?  Help!
>
>Ann Morton
>Curator, Wayne County Historical Society
>
>
Jane Sproull Thomson