We would be interested in any flags you
may wish to deaccession via a transfer of custody if they are from the latter
2/3 of the 19th century, the main period of our historic house's interpretation.
What do your accession records say
about the flags? Some donors may not be happy about seeing one of their
donations leave your museum for any reason, but isn't that why we try to get all
donations as "absolute" gifts with no strings or conditions attached? And also
why we try to limit our collecting to that which is most in line with our
individual missions?
I cannot see anyone getting upset about
an item being deaccessioned if the deaccessioning is preliminary to transferring
custody (aka donating) to another museum where it will find a better home, and
maybe be displayed more often.
As for the VFW. They will gladly accept
any flag that's tattered beyond it's usable life. That is, a flag that is so
faded or torn or ripped or shredded (you get the picture) that merely displaying
it would be seen as an act of disrespect for the flag and all that it stands
for. The flag should be flown proudly and as pristinely as possible. A
torn or faded flag is but a rag. And the VFW would quite happily give it a
proper farewell than see a tired old flag continue to fly. It has served its
purpose proudly and should be given the type of farewell that all veterans
deserve.
To that I will add the following:
If the flag is historically significant in any way, it should not be destroyed,
even with dignity. If the flag is still in good condition, the VFW may not be
willing to send it off to "flag Arlington: because it is still very
much alive.
And finally, no matter how many, or
how few stars there are on an American Flag, it is still the flag of the United
States and should be respected as if it were flying all 50 stars upon Union.
Once a flag, always a flag. Talk to your local VFW. They'll tell you, this is a
Flag you're talking about, not some piece of cloth.
I think you're doing the right thing by
trying to find good homes in other museums for these flags. If you send a list
of the flags, I can forward it to another list maintained by a major living
history museums organization. You're sure to find homes there among their
membership museums.
Sincerely,
"Telling the Stories of Ocean County"
Historically Speaking
ALHFAM -FPIPN vice-chair for trivia, errata and
miscellany
[log in to unmask]
"The ordinary distinctions in society are often vague, and imply no just
pre-eminence: rank and titles are
adventitious things and instead of
designating merit or virtue, are frequently the baubles of imbecility, or
the sparkling decorations of meretricious pageantry"
William Griffith, on behalf, and by order of the New-Jersey Society for
promoting the gradual Abolition
of Slavery, Twelfth Month (December) 20th,
1803
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2003 5:55
PM
Subject: Deaccessioning flags
Dear List:
Two Questions-
1- My Museum has a number of historical US flags that do not relate to
our mission and I am looking for a new home for them. Would any of
you be interested in acquiring these flags? I would be
happy to provide a list of items available.
2- If I am not able to find a new home for these flags, is it appropriate
to contact the local VFW post and arrange for disposal of the flags through
them?
Thanks,
Carrie Snow, Registrar
Museum of Church History and Art