Here at the DAR Museum, we have an "Adopt an Object" program, where an
individual, or a chapter of the DAR can donate money to have an object
conserved.  The curators compiled wish lists of objects that could strongly
benefit from conservation, and specifically delineates the work that will be
done.  The lists were then broken down into different categories depending
on the cost (for example, 50-100 dollars, 100-200 dollars, etc).  The person
donates the money, the conservation is done by whomever the museum chooses,
and the adoptees get mentioned in the yearly board report.  They also
receive a thank-you letter, and can have the conservation done in somebody's
honor.  However, this info doesn't go on an exhibit label, or anything.
It's all done in the spirit of letting people feel they have a big impact on
the preservation of the museum's objects by letting them get very involved
with the item they choose to adopt.  It's a fairly popular program - groups
interested in needlework will adopt a sampler, or a group with a strong
interest in a particular historical figure may choose to adopt an object
that has a tie to that person.

Genevieve Ellerbee
Associate Registrar
DAR Museum
Washington, D.C.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kathy Henri [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 7:31 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      "Adopt-a-Tractor" programs
>
>
> To that end, committee members have suggested an Adopt-a-Tractor program,
> since the Museum doesn't have a budget or ready source of funds to pay for
> this kind of work. Several committee members have already volunteered
> their
> time and money, but I don't want to start until we have at least some
> procedures in place. Do any of you have guidelines for this kind of
> program
> that you'd be willing to share with me? I'm aware that we'll need to set
> limits as to kind of work done, products used, length of time allowed for
> the work, etc., and that we'll need to solicit other community members to
> join the program so that our committee isn't doing all the work. Any
> insights you have would be most helpful!
> Thank you,
>
> Kathy Henri
> Collections Manager/Asst. Curator
> Ventura County Museum of History & Art
> 100 E. Main Street
> Ventura, CA 93001
> (805)653-0323 x. 20
> [log in to unmask]
> www.vcmha.org
>
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