It's amazing how many people think that if they will something to a museum, they are preserving it for the public forever. Virtually all museums sell items "to benefit their acquisition fund," sometimes right after the donation is received, and regardless of what they have promised the donor. Where the money actually goes is another matter, and can vary immensely. Recently, an Orange County. CA museum director hired an appraiser to declare the value of several of the museum's masterpieces at about 10% of their actual worth (an appraisal was required before a sale). He then sold them to private parties, names kept secret, at that 10% value. He and his friends are presumably enjoying their profits. The deal sparked a brief public outrage, which was quickly put down by the declaration that the deal was entirely legal, which it was, at least by what could be proven. There are several lessons and changes that could result from these episodes, but I offer a few:
1. Try to be sure that you have a signed and legally lasting contract that forbids the museum from selling or giving away the item and requires public access to the item. Don't be surprised if the museum snobs think that's too restrictive. Either agree to a compromise or take your item somewhere else.
2. Know what will happen to your item if the museum declares bankruptcy, is sold, etc.
3. Be sure that the museum keeps good records, takes inventory regularly and has bylaws requiring checks and triple checks to prevent scams such as the Orange Co. caper.
4. Art Museum thefts are common, and stolen artworks are rarely recovered. At least verify that the museum maintains great security, and is required to continue it.
5. Reconsider your relatives, who possibly feel attached to the item. Are they really inconsiderate greedy people who don't deserve it and will probably sell it for cash anyway? (Quite possibly!) Are they possibly decent people, no worse than most others, who would cherish the item or could really use the money? After all, you will not receive immortality by making a donation, even if organizations try to make you feel that you will, and it is your family. If you do donate, please make the effort to try to assure it goes where you expect it to go.

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