Hi!
In our case, I think we would have to handle this as abandoned
property.  I'd suggest you check with your lawyer and see if, since you
haven't accepted it and have no known donor, etc., if could/should be
legally handled as abandoned, subject to holding "x" number of days,
prob. pub. notice in local paper, etc., etc.
Linn

M. A. Ehr wrote:
>
> Recently, someone dropped off an item at our museum (literally left it on
> the front steps). We have no idea who left it, and no documentation
> whatsoever. It is not in very good shape, either, and we do not want to add
> it to our collections. Unfortunately, as it was donated anonymously, we
> can't give it back, either.
>
> The sticky part: neither Wisconsin statutes nor our collections policy
> address unsolicited anonymous "drop-off" donations. Has anyone else ever
> run into this situation? Does anyone have a policy that covers this type of
> situation? What about if the item was something we did intend to accession?
>
> Any assistance in clarifying our options/responsibilities in this matter
> will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Meg Ehr
> Curator
> Outagamie Museum and Houdini Historical Center
> 330 E. College Ave.
> Appleton, WI  54911
> (920) 735-9370