This is true only for artifacts as defined by the accession services of the
various museum entities in the US Government, such as the Center For
Military History in the DOD, and the Smithsonian. These items are available
if your museum meets their criteria for public access and is capable of
maintaining items with modern conservation and/or restoration techniques.
You usually only see large museums getting these items, as they are the only
ones capable of meeting the conservation technology requirements. Most
small museums which depend on public funds can barely afford adequate public
staffing for hours, museum maintenance, security requirements etc., let
alone the VERY EXPENSIVE services of a professionally trained conservator.
More below.
>and
>you are subject to a lot of regs about use and care and they can come
>inspect whenever they want to ensure you're taking care of their stuff. If
>you violate the rules (or they send someone who'll say you did just to
close
>you down) then the penalties are pretty stiff.
Now the DOD and GSA do have other means for getting equipment and items for
museums, by direct accession. Non-Profit Public Corporations are eligible
for receiving Government surplus items for museum display or use. However,
this hinges on recognition by your state that your organization is indeed a
non-profit corporation which meets the requirements as set forth in Federal
Tax Law and State Incorporation Guidelines. Once you are given recognition
by the State and Federal Government (including on an interim basis) you may
apply for and potentially receive items from GSA, DRMO, etc. and even get
preferential award status for certain items. However, the government holds
title for the items for 5 years, at which time ownership of the item passes
to the museum corporation. At that time, you are required to follow state
and museum corporation guidelines for any dispositions of museum owned
items.
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