Open Forum

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 5/6/2022 6:37:00 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Thanks, Chrisso. We got a little more info from the donor--the coat was made by Baker Fur Co. in Seattle, so sometime after 1929. We're continuing to try to pin down the date and type of seal to figure out how to proceed and we'll track back with everyone once we know more.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2022 07:23 AM
From: Chrisso Boulis
Subject: Seal fur coat

We've only recently had to deal with CITES issues, but the object in question was recently made ethnographic object with feathers (not eagle).

Most of what we deal with involves the UNESCO Convention for Cultural Property.

So I can draw a parallel - we look at how, when, where the object was acquired.

The coat is 1900-1950; CITES is circa 1973.

Alaska and Washington are both United States so no international borders are involved.

Pinnipeds are protected under US law (again post 1970s), but they might not be on CITES endangered list.

You would have to know which type of seal to see what its status was.

Objects containing eagle feathers are more problematic given the restrictions and the exemptions.

There are official repositories for eagle remains, but objects with feathers/bones aren't generally mentioned.

Hope this helps.  Would love to hear more from others.

Chrisso Boulis

Registrar Records

Penn Museum

T: 215-898-4088

Original Message:
Sent: 5/6/2022 6:37:00 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 5/12/2022 12:07:00 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: RE: Seal fur coat

Thanks, Chrisso. We got a little more info from the donor--the coat was made by Baker Fur Co. in Seattle, so sometime after 1929. We're continuing to try to pin down the date and type of seal to figure out how to proceed and we'll track back with everyone once we know more.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2022 07:23 AM
From: Chrisso Boulis
Subject: Seal fur coat

We've only recently had to deal with CITES issues, but the object in question was recently made ethnographic object with feathers (not eagle).

Most of what we deal with involves the UNESCO Convention for Cultural Property.

So I can draw a parallel - we look at how, when, where the object was acquired.

The coat is 1900-1950; CITES is circa 1973.

Alaska and Washington are both United States so no international borders are involved.

Pinnipeds are protected under US law (again post 1970s), but they might not be on CITES endangered list.

You would have to know which type of seal to see what its status was.

Objects containing eagle feathers are more problematic given the restrictions and the exemptions.

There are official repositories for eagle remains, but objects with feathers/bones aren't generally mentioned.

Hope this helps.  Would love to hear more from others.

Chrisso Boulis

Registrar Records

Penn Museum

T: 215-898-4088

Original Message:
Sent: 5/6/2022 6:37:00 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

As this pre-dates the Marine Mammals Protection Act, it does not fall under that particular law.  However, you must have documented proof of the age of the object. If you don't already have a copy of A Legal Primer on Managing Museum Collections, Maloro and DeAngelis, you should get one.

------------------------------
Amy Thompson
Registrar
Maine State Museum
Augusta ME
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Thanks, Amy. We do have an older copy of Malaro, but we just ordered the 3rd edition.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2022 10:17 AM
From: Amy Thompson
Subject: Seal fur coat

As this pre-dates the Marine Mammals Protection Act, it does not fall under that particular law.  However, you must have documented proof of the age of the object. If you don't already have a copy of A Legal Primer on Managing Museum Collections, Maloro and DeAngelis, you should get one.

------------------------------
Amy Thompson
Registrar
Maine State Museum
Augusta ME

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

I used to intern under Eugene Marino in the small museums detachment of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
He can certainly answer your questions.  
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation


------------------------------
Alena Renner
Collections Technician
The Valentine
Richmond VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Thanks so much, Alena!

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-11-2022 09:58 AM
From: Alena Renner
Subject: Seal fur coat

I used to intern under Eugene Marino in the small museums detachment of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
He can certainly answer your questions.  
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation


------------------------------
Alena Renner
Collections Technician
The Valentine
Richmond VA

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 5/11/2022 9:58:00 AM
From: Alena Renner
Subject: RE: Seal fur coat

I used to intern under Eugene Marino in the small museums detachment of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
He can certainly answer your questions.  
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation


------------------------------
Alena Renner
Collections Technician
The Valentine
Richmond VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Sometimes Items like this can tell their own story if you know what to look for. Sealskin jackets were made and used by the Yupik and Inupiaq people of Alaska's northwest coast, and they have distinct features. From the days of the Yankee whalers on through the gold rush and into the pipeline construction boom seal skin coats were a valued trade item.  In the early days they were made by skilled Eskimo women but as the commercial businesses started to establish themselves non native furriers began using local furs in their products. Furriers like Martin Victor and The Green brothers produced an abundance of them. David Green furriers has been in business in Anchorage since 1922 and is still in operation to this day. If you could send me some photos of the front, back, cuffs, lining and hood if it has one I might be able give you an opinion.

Michael D. Dupps
An Yaa
P.O. Box 395
Willow, AK 99688
907 354 3709
mdupps@mtaonline.net
American Society of Appraisers
Compliant Through December 31, 2022
American Alliance of Museums Member # 455219

------------------------------
Michael Dupps
Appraiser / consultant
Willow AK
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Michael, as it turns out we got more info from the donor. It turns out that the coat was made by Baker Fur Co. in Seattle, so sometime after 1929. We appreciate your info, though, and we'll keep you in mind should we get the offer of another item. Thanks!

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2022 08:51 AM
From: Michael Dupps
Subject: Seal fur coat

Sometimes Items like this can tell their own story if you know what to look for. Sealskin jackets were made and used by the Yupik and Inupiaq people of Alaska's northwest coast, and they have distinct features. From the days of the Yankee whalers on through the gold rush and into the pipeline construction boom seal skin coats were a valued trade item.  In the early days they were made by skilled Eskimo women but as the commercial businesses started to establish themselves non native furriers began using local furs in their products. Furriers like Martin Victor and The Green brothers produced an abundance of them. David Green furriers has been in business in Anchorage since 1922 and is still in operation to this day. If you could send me some photos of the front, back, cuffs, lining and hood if it has one I might be able give you an opinion.

Michael D. Dupps
An Yaa
P.O. Box 395
Willow, AK 99688
907 354 3709
mdupps@mtaonline.net
American Society of Appraisers
Compliant Through December 31, 2022
American Alliance of Museums Member # 455219

------------------------------
Michael Dupps
Appraiser / consultant
Willow AK

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------

This has been an interesting string.  And Janice hit most of the legal issues correctly.  I am a wildlife attorney that does a lot of work with natural history museums.  The best thing you can do is to create a file that documents everything as best you can, as the donated items is clearly pre-Act, and the museum acquired it as a donation (no sale or barter).  The donor's ability to take a tax deduction is permissible, as limited by IRS rulings.  One last thing - the MMPA does recognize and exemption of certified native art - even for modern crafts made from seal and ivory.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Michael Oropallo JD
Attorney
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2022 12:03 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

Michael, as it turns out we got more info from the donor. It turns out that the coat was made by Baker Fur Co. in Seattle, so sometime after 1929. We appreciate your info, though, and we'll keep you in mind should we get the offer of another item. Thanks!

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA

Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2022 08:51 AM
From: Michael Dupps
Subject: Seal fur coat

Sometimes Items like this can tell their own story if you know what to look for. Sealskin jackets were made and used by the Yupik and Inupiaq people of Alaska's northwest coast, and they have distinct features. From the days of the Yankee whalers on through the gold rush and into the pipeline construction boom seal skin coats were a valued trade item.  In the early days they were made by skilled Eskimo women but as the commercial businesses started to establish themselves non native furriers began using local furs in their products. Furriers like Martin Victor and The Green brothers produced an abundance of them. David Green furriers has been in business in Anchorage since 1922 and is still in operation to this day. If you could send me some photos of the front, back, cuffs, lining and hood if it has one I might be able give you an opinion.

Michael D. Dupps
An Yaa
P.O. Box 395
Willow, AK 99688
907 354 3709
mdupps@mtaonline.net
American Society of Appraisers
Compliant Through December 31, 2022
American Alliance of Museums Member # 455219

------------------------------
Michael Dupps
Appraiser / consultant
Willow AK

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2022 06:37 PM
From: Elizabeth Stewart
Subject: Seal fur coat

We are a small local history museum and we have been offered the donation of an Alaskan seal fur coat, dating from the early to mid-1900s, that is significant to one of our city's residents. We are aware of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, but can't find good guidance for curatorial staff on law and ethics around accepting donations. Any guidance appreciated.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Stewart PhD
Director
Renton History Museum
Renton WA
------------------------------