Patricia Miller requested that I let the list know what I had received
regarding the question I had posed several weeks ago on "long term loan vs.
stewardship" of a transfer collection.  First, thanks to all of you who
responded.  It was wonderful to get such thoughtful answers.  I have
forwarded them to the museum which requested them.
 
Second, you all pass the "registrar's exam"  meaning that each answer solidly
stood behind "ownership" instead of the options that have been offered to
this museum.  But, as you all know, what is best is not always feasible.  And
the bind this museum is in results from trying to please too many masters:
their own mission statement, a city council without understanding of museum
law,  and a political will in the community, where angering anyone over this
could mean their own demise.  They know what they should do, which is
forestall the transfer until they can work toward an ownership agreement, and
they will take your thoughts to the commission to try to persuade them to
that point of view.
 
What they, and I, it seems, have learned is that they may be in a no-win
situation.  My final thoughts - political turmoil over NEA's funding for art
exhibits is nothing compared to small town politics over a local collectors's
art objects.   Thanks again!!!  Susan Harless  [log in to unmask]