Editing Collections Management Policy (section)

====Acquisition of Collections====

For the purposes of this policy, acquisition is defined as the discovery, preliminary evaluation, taking physical and legal custody of, and acknowledging receipt of materials and objects as well as the recording of this process. Decisions regarding acceptance of objects into the collection by the Curator are subject to review by the Board of Trustees.

'''Guidelines for Accepting Objects'''

''We cannot and do not want to accept and own anything and everything; we must carefully select the most important items that promote our mission and are within our capacity to maintain.''

The Curator shall determine if an object can be accepted according to the Collection Policy and the following considerations:
* Consistency with the collection objectives and mission statement of the GHM.
* The object’s historical, cultural, or social significance to GHM and its environs.
* Uniqueness of the object and/or existence of similar objects in the collection.
* Condition of the object, whether it can be properly cared for and potential maintenance costs.
* Size or other physical restrictions.
* Restrictions or conditions on its use imposed by either the donor or the nature of the article itself.
* Whether the object is a donation or for sale. Generally it is the policy of the GHM to accept only those objects offered as gifts.
* Present or future utilization in education programs or research.
* Whether acquisition of sacred objects and/or human remains may be objectionable to the community, people or cultures they represent; or have legal considerations or requirements.
* Whether the removal of archaeological materials resulted in the damage or destruction of the original site or monument or involved misrepresentation to the owner or governmental entity.
* Whether collection of the objects resulted in an adverse effect on the natural resources or environment.

Restricted/conditional donations will not be accepted except in extraordinary circumstances and only after the approval of the Curator, Director, and/or the Board of Trustees.

Should a proposed acquisition have an exceptionally high valuation, high maintenance cost, or restrictions on its use, the Curator may request an opinion from the Director and/or the Board of Trustees.

If the prospective donation is refused, the Curator may refer the donor to another institution for which the object is appropriate, giving first consideration to other local institutions.

'''Conditions of Transfer of Title'''

* All donations are considered outright and unconditional gifts to be used at the discretion of the GHM.
* No object may be accepted with the understanding that it is to be permanently exhibited.
* No collection may be accepted with the understanding that it is to be kept intact.
* The GHM retains the right to dispose of gifts in accordance with the Collections Management Policy.
* Permission may be granted by the GHM for scholarly use of aural and visual materials provided proper credit is given.

'''Appraisals and Donor Tax Deductions'''

Gifts to the GHM qualify as charitable deductions under section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Service tax code.

It is the responsibility of the donor to obtain necessary appraisals of donated material. To avoid conflicts of interest, Museum staff members, employees, and volunteers cannot appraise objects donated to the Museum.

'''United States and International Regulations'''

The Board of Directors, volunteer staff and employees will abide by all United States and International laws and regulations concerning the transfer of ownership and transportation of objects across national boundaries.

The Museum will not knowingly accept any object that is illegally imported into or illegally collected in the United States or that is collected or recovered under circumstances that would support or encourage irresponsible damage to public or private property.