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  • 1.  Building a Museum Collection

    Posted 09-30-2014 05:02 PM
    Hello All,

    As I mentioned in my introduction post, I work at a museum-in-planning. This museum started with an idea, not with a collection that needed a home. I have been tasked with building the collection. Has anyone out there had experience with this?

    As listed in my signature, I'm with the U.S. Marshals Museum. We will be telling the history of the U.S. Marshals Service, which is the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States (begun by George Washington in 1789). All artifacts with a direct connection to the Marshals Service are of interest. 

    Any insight into building a collection would be most welcome!

    Thanks!

    Best,

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    Jessica Hougen
    Curator
    U.S. Marshals Museum
    Fort Smith AR
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  • 2.  RE: Building a Museum Collection

    Posted 09-30-2014 05:06 PM
    I have never been in that position, but in one way you do have the benefit of being able to craft a collection policy and not have to sort through a bunch of unrelated material wondering what your predecessors were thinking. 

    I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that there is some sort of organization for retired Marshals. Reach out to them and explain what you are doing. I imagine that some of them may have things that are worth donating. The Marshals Service themselves may have materials, uniforms, and other items that are outdated that can start to form the core of a collection. 

    At least, those are the places I would start. The key thing is though to have a firm idea of the type of collections you want to accession, or you could get swamped with unrelated items that were once owned by Marshals. 

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    Christine Hoffman
    Museum Site Manager
    Chappell Hill Historical Society
    Chappell Hill TX
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  • 3.  RE: Building a Museum Collection

    Posted 09-30-2014 05:11 PM
    Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear in my first message. I know what types of artifacts are out there for the Museum to collect (firearms, badges, uniforms, photographs, etc.).  We are already working with the Marshals Service, and with the Marshals Service Association, which is the organization of retired Marshals. What I am looking for is ideas on how to get the word out across the country, to find more historical artifacts from areas other than where the museum is located. As the Marshals Service was started in 1789, and spread across the country with the growth of the nation, there is quite a history to cover, and quite a lot of geographical area.

    I am considering sending letters to state Historical Societies, asking if we can put a notice in their member newsletters. I am working with a local antique store owner to get the word out to vendors, in the hopes that they will spread the word as well. I am also going to reach out to antiquarian book/ephemera dealers. We have an active Facebook page, over 19,000 likes already, and we post about collecting on it regularly.

    Further thoughts would be greatly appreciated, and thanks to those that have weighed in so far!

    Best,

    -------------------------------------------
    Jessica Hougen
    Curator
    U.S. Marshals Museum
    Fort Smith AR
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  • 4.  RE: Building a Museum Collection

    Posted 10-20-2014 11:26 AM
    I think you're right on track with your targets. The Marshals Service Association, no doubt, has people spread all over the country who can help spread the world--and they're likely your best, most excited advocates for the new museum!  Is there certain "hubs" of activity? Perhaps approach history museums/auction houses in those areas first. Any PR you do, including facebook, will make sure people know you're there, which will attract those with pertinent items.  Although your task seems huge now, you have a huge opportunity here to craft a great collection that makes it a gold mine for future researchers and staff. Good luck! 

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    Jillian Becquet
    Collections Manager
    Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History
    Corpus Christi TX
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