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  • 1.  Collections Transfer Agreements

    Posted 06-09-2025 10:54 AM
    Hello! We are exploring the potential of transferring the ownership of a part of our collection from a municipality to the Museum. These collections have been housed and cared for by the museum for over 50 years. Can anyone share documentation of this type of collection transfer agreement? 

    Thank you,
    Hillary Olson, RMSC



    		Hillary Olson | she/her/hers
    President & CEO
    657 East Avenue, Rochester NY, 14607

     | 585.697.1975
     | Holson@rmsc.org
     | rmsc.org


  • 2.  RE: Collections Transfer Agreements

    Posted 06-10-2025 10:16 AM

    Hi Hillary,

    In my many years in the field I have managed several transfers such as this. Firstly, the municipality is probably going to want their attorneys to draft the agreement rather than the museum. You should let them and then consult an (hopefully pro bono) lawyer to represent the museum. What you will need to have in hand is (1) a complete inventory of the items to be transferred and (2) an appraised value for the objects.

    I am available to assist with this both in terms of overseeing the process and performing the appraisal on the collections. Most of my work is with small museums and my fees are extremely reasonable. Please visit my website and let me know if I may be of service: www.courtneybwilson.com 



    ------------------------------
    Courtney B. Wilson
    Museum Consultant and Retired Executive Director
    Courtney B. Wilson & Associates, LLC
    Saint Augustine, FL 32080
    410-340-4226
    ------------------------------



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