You wrote:

<I am interested in finding any criteria for the inclusion
<of the donor's personal interpretation/story in museum
<files.  I have found in my research that this is a priority
<when museums do an exhibition on the community, but I would
<like to know if it is sought at other times.

Much Like Ms. Funder's answer to this post, we collect the
personal and family history of donors.  We are particularly
interested in any stories they may have about the artifact,
be it a tractor or a carving knife or a toy, as that brings
the piece to life.  We use the information in most exhibits
we do, not just those about "community."

Other users of the information (recently) have included
families learning about their grandparents, Native Americans
relearning their history and crafts, and researchers working
on academic subjects ranging from immigration to ethnicity.
Such information is sought in almost all instances.  We
collect it if it's available.  Subsequent use depends on
proposed use.

Hope this helps.

Chris Dill

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C. L. Dill, Museum Director
State Historical Society of North Dakota
612 East Boulevard
Bismarck  ND  58505-0830
P: (701)328-2666
F: (701)328-3710
E:  [log in to unmask]
Visit our Web site at: http://www.state.nd.us/hist/
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