Open Forum

Hello friends!

Recently, an executrix for an estate contacted our museum about donating items from her friend's estate which she is overseeing. To my knowledge the deceased individual did not bequeath these items to the museum in her will. The executrix thought that the objects would benefit the museum (and they do) and I think, she just felt bad about potentially throwing said objects away or giving them to Goodwill. 

I have not dealt with this specific situation before. I have documentation that the executrix has authority over the estate from the county register of wills. My question is: what other documentation or transfer is required to complete the transaction? Is our standard deed of gift enough? 

Thanks for your input!

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Valerie Seiber
Collections Manager
The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue
Hershey PA
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Hello Valerie,


It appears that the answer to your question is simple, straightforward, and positive. If the objects are being offered to your museum by an executrix, you can treat the situation as you would any donation. You can accept, decline, or negotiate, and of course, use your standard deed of gift. 

Best,
Bruce

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Bruce MacLeish
Curator Emeritus, Newport Restoration Foundation
Cooperstown NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-19-2018 01:39 PM
From: Valerie Seiber
Subject: Acquisitions from estates

Hello friends!

Recently, an executrix for an estate contacted our museum about donating items from her friend's estate which she is overseeing. To my knowledge the deceased individual did not bequeath these items to the museum in her will. The executrix thought that the objects would benefit the museum (and they do) and I think, she just felt bad about potentially throwing said objects away or giving them to Goodwill.

I have not dealt with this specific situation before. I have documentation that the executrix has authority over the estate from the county register of wills. My question is: what other documentation or transfer is required to complete the transaction? Is our standard deed of gift enough?

Thanks for your input!

------------------------------
Valerie Seiber
Collections Manager
The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue
Hershey PA
------------------------------

Original Message------

Hello friends!

Recently, an executrix for an estate contacted our museum about donating items from her friend's estate which she is overseeing. To my knowledge the deceased individual did not bequeath these items to the museum in her will. The executrix thought that the objects would benefit the museum (and they do) and I think, she just felt bad about potentially throwing said objects away or giving them to Goodwill. 

I have not dealt with this specific situation before. I have documentation that the executrix has authority over the estate from the county register of wills. My question is: what other documentation or transfer is required to complete the transaction? Is our standard deed of gift enough? 

Thanks for your input!

------------------------------
Valerie Seiber
Collections Manager
The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue
Hershey PA
------------------------------