Hi Kristin,

We require a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the will, or at
least that section which pertains to the items in our possession.  Rarely
have we found that the will specifies the items on to loan to us, but there
is usually some section which says (in non-legalese) "anything else is the
responsibility of _________" or executors.  We also have a copy of something
to prove who they (either the heirs or executors) are, namely a drivers
license.  All of this is kept in the hardcopy file, especially if the items
are to be kept at the museum.  We close the old loan and issue a new loan
agreement or deed of gift with the 'heirs'.  We haven't had many problems
with this.

Hope this helps.

Shelly Berger
Museum of Mobile
Registrar

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Kristin Mravinec
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 4:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Returning Loaned Objects to Heirs


Our Collections Committee, which includes an attorney, is meeting to
discuss returning a loaned collection to the lender's heirs. I have a
will that has not been updated or probated. The heirs are the
co-representatives of the estate. The loaned collection is not mentioned
in the will. I to wanting provide information to my Committee on how
other museums have handled this issue. How many museums require a will
be probated? Besides the will, do you require any other information?

Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,

Kristin Mravinec

--
Kristin Mravinec, Curator
Greater Southwest Historical Museum
35 Sunset Drive
Ardmore, OK 73401
Phone: 580.226.3857
Fax: 580.226.3857
[log in to unmask]

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