All right. I was simply posting because I have heard much concern from individuals in our greater community. Therefore it is "controversial." Incidentally, I don't think exhibitions are generally considered appropriate use of deaccession funds, and I do not think that the historical society is looking to improve their collection. Perhaps the mindset has changed. Pardon me for offending you. Candace Perry _____ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Brian Rayca Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 7:54 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] controversial deaccession/loss of object I don't see whuy this would be controversial in any way? Unlike more controversial deaccessions where the money was used on operating expenses, there doesn't seem to be anything underhanded in what is shown in the catalog. I agree with Carl. So long as the hisotrical Society is doing this ubove board and for improvements to the collection, and or exhibitions why would it be considered controversial? Brian Rayca On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 8:30 PM, Cass Karl <[log in to unmask]> wrote: I'm not sure what's so suspicious about the deaccession of these items. I would assume that the change in the museum's mission was well thought out and in response to what the constituency of the museum wants. I also think it's fairly obvious that these items (although lovely and valuable) no longer fit the mission of the institution where they are held, and as such, deaccession is a valid option. I would also assume that the museum has ensured that they have clear title to the objects, and that the community that supports the museum will not object to their sale (it is a relatively public auction, after all). I would also assume that the museum needs the money that will be generated by this auction (for the aforementioned "interactive exhibits" I assume), or they wouldn't be doing it. I know that's a lot of assumptions, but I don't see any reason to think the worst based on just this blurb from the auction catalog. Maybe there's more to the story that I am missing... The missing sampler, especially right before the auction, *is* a bit odd. I'll give you that. On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 1:45 PM, Deb Fuller <[log in to unmask]> wrote: On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 12:51 PM, Candace Perry <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > The Burlington County Historical Society in Burlington, NJ is deaccessioning significant objects in their collection via an upcoming auction at Freeman's in Philadelphia. Here is a link to the auction: > > http://issuu.com/freemansauction/docs/1387 > > Please go to page 57 in the catalog. Take special note of the text about the reasoning behind the deaccession. Minor clarification - if you type in page 57 at the top of the screen to jump to the page, the actual page number in the catalog is 54. Interactive exhibits, eh? Hurm. Deb Fuller ========================================================= 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/ . 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