The National Trust has found itself in the position of serving as a
     clearing house for historic sites that need information on policies
     and procedures for a variety of museum-related topics.

     Recently, I have been getting lots of inquiries from museums that until now
     have allowed the use of open flame, fresh flowers, food, etc. inside their
     structures for special events. Many of them are looking for samples of
     guidelines, regulations, etc. that they could read as they prepare their
     own policies and procedures, since they are faced with increased pressure
     from board members, volunteer flower committees, fund raisers, etc. to
     allow use of the these inappropriate materials.

     I am especially interested in learning how you actually deal with board
     members and volunteers who do things they shouldn't anyway, even when said
     policies are in place, and also, what alternatives you all have come up
     with to protect your site, but not appear "hard-nosed" to your co-workers
     because you got rid of the live Christmas tree for the holiday celebration.

     I would welcome copies of your policies, procedures, thoughts, etc. on
     these topics that could be added to these files and could aid other
     sites as they try to write their own policies. Please reply to me
     off-list by e:mail or snail mail.

     Many thanks!


     Melissa Heaver
     Director-Museum Collections
     National Trust for Historic Preservation
     1785 Mass. Ave., NW
     Washington, DC 20036
     202-588-6148
     202-588-6232 (f)
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