Bob Fuhrman writes: "(I wouldn't bother with the tapes after they have been transcribed due to the transient nature of technology)" True, technology is changing at an incredible pace, but that does not relieve any serious historical institution from maintaining the primary source document. For a CEO of a Historical Society to advise such unethical behavior is astounding. nburlakoff -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of rfuhrman Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 11:46 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: sticky fundraiser I agree that a promise of a 'permanent' placement is problematic (for anything). With that said, it is a neat idea for a little fund raiser. I would suggest that we approach this idea like any other 'premium' used in fund raising. I think that for IRS purposes the donors can only deduct an amount over what the premium actually costs (I may recall this incorrectly). Thus, I would tell your volunteer that to 'only give this to $1000 donors' actually means that you will have to cost out the time, materials, etc. and would substantially lessen the tax value of their donation. (Figure in staff time at an inflated rate to cover overhead expenses). Remember that you will have to acknowledge their gift for tax purposes and make a statement that no goods or services were exchanges for the gift. However, if this 'service' is available to anyone that the RAHM 'chooses' to interview then the donors could take the full tax benefit. You might just want to bite the bullet on the placement of transcripts in your archives (I wouldn't bother with the tapes after they have been transcribed due to the transient nature of technology). True, some of these families may not have the long-term history in your area that might otherwise make the interview more desirable, however, we're all moving around the country (and the world) a lot more than Mom & Dad did-I've worked at so many places (or so it seems) that I don't know where 'home' is any more. The fact that someone cared enough about the museum to participate in the program is in itself kind of neat and flattering and, who knows; the 'interview donation' may just be the tip of the iceberg. Just my two cents worth. Bob Fuhrman CEO Clark County Historical Society Heritage Center of Clark County Springfield, Ohio www.heritagecenter.us <http://www.heritagecenter.us/> -----Original Message----- A volunteer is helping us organize our annual auction. One of the additional programs she wants us to undertake leading up to the auction is called Time in a Bottle. We would give this package to $1000 donors. They would get five hours with an interviewer to record their family history. Then the transcripts and tapes would be kept in the museum archives (the family would also receive a copy). I'm concerned about saying these will be a permanent part of the archives. She has even told me I would need to be careful about doing interviews "for free" since other people would be paying to have their family stories kept at the museum. I tried to explain to her how backwards this thinking is but I'm having difficulty. She truly believes that this is a way to raise money while fulfilling our mission. She does not see any issues with exclusivity. Has anyone tried anything like this? She's got some people very excited about this and it sounds like it would be a successful fundraiser. Is there a way to do this without compromising our standards and looking like an elitist institution? Thanks, Katie ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Katie Anderson Museum Director Rome Area History Museum 305 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161 706-235-8051 cell 678-908-7751 fax 706-235-6631 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> www.RomeHistoryMuseum.com <http://www.RomeHistoryMuseum.com> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Come see our new exhibit "Textile Mills, Baseball, and Strong Communities: Floyd's Professional Baseball of the 1930's and 40's." This fun exhibit explores two of the most difficult decades in American history by looking at the special place that baseball held in the hearts of the textile mill communities in the Rome area. Runs through December 2003. A separate permanent exhibit created by DH Advertising and a team of community members was recently installed at the new State Mutual Stadium. It highlights the general history of baseball in the area from the mid-1800's to present. Be sure to see this other great baseball exhibit the next time you see a Rome Braves home game. *********************************************************************** ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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).