John,
 
Many have shared thoughtful considerations regarding your dilemma.  Here are mine:
 
I, too, was nonplussed by the actions of the curator who sent you the package and not simply because of its poor condition.  I believe what ruffled my feathers the most was the idea that the package was unsolicited.  And furthermore, that the directions suggested that you should simply send the objects on to another institution if you didn't want them...that sounded a bit like a gift exchange from hell! 
 
However as some suggested, we may both be over-reacting.  I do believe a ultimately educational and tactful letter is in order to address the numerous errors in judgement which brought this package to your door.  Address the issues surrounding unknown ownership, the problems with merely sending the package on to someone else, the poor condition of the artifacts and the potential threat their condition poses to your institutions collections, etc.
 
Most importantly, I suggest you cite resources where the institution can learn about best practices in the field regarding these matters.  Regardless of whether the institution should have known better or not, your letter will insure that they know better now. 
 
Best of luck with the mold and mildew!  Will you be trying to return the items to the original institution?
 
Natalie Bari
M.A. Museum Science Student
The Museum of Texas Tech University
 

John Gavin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
My museum recently received an unsolicited package in the mail from a
distant museum. Inside were some artifacts that were interesting, and
related to our museum's mission. The curator who sent the items stated that
they were from a collection that was being processed: "if your museum is not
interested in these objects please feel free to send them on to another
facility that may be interested or dispose of them for the good of your
organization." She tells me a bit of history about the original owner of the
collection, but dosen't state any information on ownership, like who signs
the donation form?? When I opened the package I was immediately subjected to
overwhelming mold and mildew and shortly noticed that it had bugs too! I had
my registrar place them in the freezer for now. I intend to write to the
director of the museum and point out the unprofessional actions of her
curator, but I though I would get the opinions of forum subscribers first.
Am I over reacting?? Thanks.

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