Hi Andrew, I am writing my MA thesis on historic house collections...A
really good guide is the AAM GUIDE TO COLLECTION PLANNING available from
their bookstore. It give clear advise as to how to make your collection fit
your mission statement and prevent a collection from Grandma's Attic. Good
Luck Georgia 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Andrew Washburn
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 12:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Collection Policies for historic homes...

Hello all!

I am writing for advice. I have recently agreed to aid in the drafting of a
collections management policy for a small organization with a large and
varied collection. The organization is focused on preserving the artwork and
legacy of a regionally famous artist and civil rights leader.

The collection includes everything from a modest house, origanl artwork,
ethnographic art, rare books and documents to towers of old magazines and
everyday household items, like silverware, (non-antique and
broken) appliances, tools and clothes. 

The organization is young and recently hired its first museum professional
director. Needless to say, no coherent policy exists today. 

My question is...

Are there any good precedents out there...?

Do you all know of any similar "grandma attic"
situations, where an institution had to construct a flexible policy in order
to weed out the trash, dispose ethically of important and valuable (but not
necessarily significant to the mission) artifacts, as well as protect the
integrity of the collection? 

How about usefull resources (i.e. books, papers, etc.)?

Thanks for the input! Please feel free to email me off the list
[log in to unmask]

-Andrew 

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