[Milsurplus] Bomber Radio Pictures

[Albert LaFrance]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "William Donzelli" <aw288 at osfn.org>
To: "Albert LaFrance" <lafrance at att.net>
Cc: <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] Bomber Radio Pictures


> As someone who has worked with quite a few museums, I can tell you that
> these demands are completely unrealistic, and places WAY too many stresses
> on the already overloaded museum resources. Plainly, no museum would
> accept a gift like that.

Thanks for your comments, William - it's good to hear from someone who has experience in that area
(which I, quite obviously, do not).  If I may, I'd like to solicit your comments on a proposed
telecommunication musuem, once plans are firmed up a little more.

> If you give to a museum, it pretty much as to be a free and clear gift,
> and hope for the best. You will have to come to grips with the fact that
> the artifact may be deaccessed at some point without your knowledge.

What is your opinion of  "permanent loan" as opposed to an outright gift?  My understanding is that
the former prevents the museum from selling or otherwise disposing of an item without the donor's
consent, because the donor remains the legal owner.

> Choose wisely.
>
> Most museums are very good, responsible ethical entities, and will give
> your radio a good home. A few are not, however, and as always, beware of
> collectors that call themselves "musuems". Ask to see the incorporation
> info and charter.

EXCELLENT point.  That is something people really should check out carefully.  Also, I've seen some
disturbing instances of potential conflicts of interest, where a museum also operates as dealer in
the same types of items they display, selling donated items to raise money for the museum or for an
unrelated charitable activity.

Albert LaFrance