In other words, perception is reality. Here's the potential headline: "Local History Museum Discards Donations." You should have a staff discussion on how to respond to the inevitable public reaction. Write up talking points if you have to, then structure a release (rather than a reactive institutional statement) that tells a positive story about how your institution is refining its collection and making sure that what you hold is based in verifiable facts. Deaccessions happen. It's not illegal or unethical. It's actually part of a museum's duty to the public to make those kinds of decisions. It is rule #1 of media relations that whoever tells the story first, gets to tell it their way. The other side is, rightly or wrongly, put in the defensive position. That is not where you want to be, because defenders almost always lose out in the court of public opinion and, as Indigo notes, the repercussions can be huge. I am put in mind of the recently-discussed situation of the Texas teacher allegedly dismissed because she exposed her students to nude art on a museum field trip. It turned out that there was way more to that story, but since the teacher put herself in charge of the publicity, she was able to spin it her way. And that's the way everyone will forever recall it. Julia Muney Moore Public Art Administrator Blackburn Architects, Indianapolis, IN (317) 875-5500 x230 ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gayle "Indigo Nights" Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 12:21 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Strange situation ...(snipped) While it's not important in the grand scheme of things that I understand deaccessioning (which, thanks to your info below, I have a better understanding thereof), it can be important if deaccessioned items are perceived to be trashed treasures. A story in a periodical offered to an ignorant reporter by an incensed volunteer could have financial and public relations consequences to the institution. ....(snipped) If you don't listen for the warnings of the canary, the insitutions could get the shaft. It is, after all, the canaries who help to sustain your salary. ========================================================= 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).