In a message dated 12/11/04 12:06:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I checked - 2-3 yrs ago - with a museum of > her choice, about a possibility of giving it the collection or, at > least, the best bits of it (there was a lot of decent machine-made > stuff there, and some interesting hand-made bits). All *she* wanted, > was a tax break. All the museum wanted, was a hefty cash donation on > top of the lace donation :) And that wasn't a major museum like the > Metropolitan. > > IOW, you cannot give away lace to a museum these days, unless you're > willing to provide the funds for the upkeep of the collection as well, > or unless it's a substantial piece of 17th century lace with a > provenance (other than "my grandma bought it in Europe, in the early > 1900s). > Dear Lacemakers, First, I've changed the subject because this is about museum practices, not about storing lace pillows. Will share a bit of what I've decided to do about a nice little collection. It may give you some ideas for yours. Though not a heiress, through the years needlework-related treasures have come my way. This year, my lawyer was instructed to redraw my Will to specifically address funding the future of these items. The new Will gives a substantial bequest of cash to go with the treasures to a museum collection. I want to ensure they will "rest easy" - which is why people gave their treasures to me in the first place. It is not unusual for museums to want/need cash. They have huge expenses. There is the need for proper fumigating of incoming items to protect collections already in residence, allocation of storage space, appraisals, insurance, conservation or restoration attention, supplies (archival paper and boxes), maintenance of proper temperature and humidity, etc. If there were no guidelines for accessioning, many museums would be overflowing and in a state of complete disarray. Some museums seem to accept donations just for the purpose of raising money (though they may not put it in these words). Devon informs us occasionally about the auctions in New Hope, Pennsylvania, of items consigned from well-known museums. To avoid this, think of backing donations of the very special and unusual (with provenance, if possible) with some tangible proof (cash) of your conviction that they are museum-worthy. It seems reasonable to read all museum policies and receipts, which may be worded in ways you do not like. Perhaps you can write your own stipulations about IF/Then .... in such a way that your donation will be transferred to another museum/collection, and not to auction, if the museum does not want to keep it or the museum becomes defunct. This would force a museum to think about whether they want what you have to give. Nothing is a complete guarantee, but this shows you are serious. This is not a perfect world - the museums have lawyers and government regulations to keep them to certain standards. If you take responsibility while you are alive, you can avoid some situations. I am actually looking forward to starting to do something positive in the next few years. Last month I found the perfect museum home for a sampler and have attached written documentation to it. It will be much more fun to give away some items while alive. If you have a family and that family is not interested in items you hold dear, give to an appropriate museum or historical society instead of selling. It may be that a descendant will be interested. Wouldn't it be wonderful if a great great granddaughter could visit what you've donated? If it is sold, she might not be able to trace it. Items of lesser value can go to younger people whom you know will make arrangements to "take care" and/or use for educational purposes. This is how my collection developed. People saw how much was being shared/shown and spent on conservation/restoration, courses, etc. The gifts came my way. The lesser items will go on to others in this way. Tamara referred to the woman who wanted a tax break. It never has occurred to me to be interested in a tax deduction in exchange for a donation in this regard. The way I see it - I am a custodian of an aspect of the history of (mostly) women. This is not an impersonal matter between self, an accountant and taxing authorities. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace & Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
