WHat a frustrating situation. Provided all the paperwork is in order, I would try to sit down with this donor and explain to him the whole range of museum work, both in public galleries and behind the scenes. Tell him about changing exhibits, loans to other museums, study by scholars of collections in storage... maybe show him your conservation lab if you have one of your own... Basically I'd try to assure him that his donation will be seen, cared for, studied, and would continue to be subject of appreciation by a wide audience in the museum. OUr museum's Mission Statement covers the subject of multiple audiences and purposes -- perhaps you can cite similar documents? Or if he is very upset and you feel as if he will only be satisfied in speaking with someone "higher up," maybe there is someone who fits that bill who he will be more likely to listen to when these explanations are made. I'm more in favor of winning public support by opening their eyes to the potential of museums, instead of severing our relationship with them by just doing what they ask (easier said than done, though). Best of luck, Juliette Rogers Collections Manager/Registrar Stephen Phillips Trust House Salem, Massachusetts ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).