It's done quite frequently, especially on ebay. The best practice is to
auction them FAR from home -- one, so they don't return to you as an
unwanted donation, and two, so your donors aren't offended when they see the
items on the block. You might want to let them know that the items will be
auctioned and give the donor first right of refusal.
Good luck!
Michelle
Curator
Hickory Hill
The historic home of Senator Thomas E. Watson.
502 Hickory Hill Drive
Thomson, GA 30824
Phone: 706.595.7777
FAX: 706.595.7177
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Simmons, John E
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 11:38 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fundraising, auctions, and history museums
Two ethical questions:
1. Do you think it is ethical for a history museum to hold a public
auction of historical artifacts donated to the museum for the purpose of
raising funds? These would be objects that were never accessioned, and
the museum would make it clear that they are not items desired for the
museum collection.
2. Do you think it is ethical for a history museum to hold a public
auction of deaccessioned items from its collections, once reasonable
attempts had been made to find good homes for these items in other
museums? These would be items deaccessioned for good reasons (e.g.,
insufficient documentation, not needed in the collection, poor quality,
etc.).
Thanks,
John
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