I want to comment on Eldiner's question about "unique archival material".I have seen several cases where people assume that collections donated to the local (insert name of library, museum or academic institution here) will be greatly appreciated, reverently displayed and treasured, and always accessible at a moments notice. The reality is that this is not often the case. Time, storage space and staff issues often work against the good intentions of the donor.If you or a friend or loved one has historic archival "stuff", avoid the last minute rush and take some time to investigate possible places that would receive the donation. Visit the site. Ask questions. Bring samples of the materials to see if there is any real interest on the part of the prospective host.We have on many occasions deaccessioned duplicate items at our Museum. Sometimes they are bartered for other items, sometimes they are donated to other museums, and sometimes they may wind up in a silent auction event where members of the museum may have a chance to support the museum with a purchase that will enhance their own collections. After all, just how many copies of the (insert object of choice) do you need to keep at the museum beyond perhaps a mint copy for the true archives and one that might be available for circulation?With some homework, the issue that Eldiner has raised can be a win-win for everyone.Just a few musings.Wesley

What you say is quite right - and it is important to clarify how you want the institution to handle the disposition of the items should they be deaccessioned in the future (e.g. do you want to have the first right of refusal, should priority be given to other institutions, etc.).However, I took the comment about the disappearing items to mean that they were taken into the personal possession of those running the museum. Reputable institutions will have a very transparent and clearly defined de-accessioning process.Tom Cornillie

Sadly, the situation I was told about was the stuff disappearing, we assume into private collections. If it was sold or traded for the benefit of the museum it would not have been a problem.[/quote]

Sad to say, that quite a few of these "donations" have gone through MANY hands before reaching their ultimate ( museum, etc) destination, and any "desirable" items are culled previously. Sometimes the temporary "curators" of these items having to bear the responsibility (space considerations, etc) of maintaining them become aware of what a burden these are. Then comes the call for someone to assume the remaining ( dregs, for lack of a better term), left for someone else to assume custody, catalog, and so forth. Unfortunate, but obviously a reality nowadays.

Long post, so I apologize in advance. Having attended an open panel discussion on something very close to this topic at the East Penn Traction Meet this past May (where the participants were reminded that they will not live forever), and having had a few thoughts and discussions about it since then, had to comment.The bottom line is that if you are concerned about the disposition of items in your collection, the best things you can do are 1) Catalog 2) Document 3) Research 4) Communicate.1) Catalog - No one knows what you have better then you. And someone who comes after you might not know exactly what that greasy lump of metal in an old shoebox is or where it came from. If you can do even a minimal spreadsheet to create a complete list of what you have (including what it looks like, if necessary) and perhaps tagging a few items that might be otherwise mistaken for something else, it will be a tremendous help in organizing and valuing your collection, and may even be the difference between going to the right place and going to the landfill.2) Document - Again, no one know what you have and where it came from better than you. A documented link to an item's origin can also be the difference between the landfill and the museum, or between being a treasured acquisition or a duplicate of something to be sold on eBay. Even if it is to be sold off on eBay, the proper description of what it is, where it came from and when can be the difference in decimal places sometimes.3) Research - Not your collection; we have that covered in the two steps above. Research all the places you think might be appropriate for your collection to go; talk to the curators or archivists, the directors or managers or members in charge. Ask what their policies are. Are all items stored in an appropriate area, or do they go home and get stashed in someone's leaky basement? Ask about future plans for the storage facilities; do they have any for expansion or conservation? Also ask about access - who is allowed to access the collection(s)? For what reasons? What type of security is in place? And bring your collection documents - let them see what you have, and let them tell you if they think it fits their mission or if they know where it might better be left. Be aware that there might be many places that would be perfect for parts of your collection, but none perfect for the entire thing. And something dumped on an organization unexpectedly might end up on eBay or in the dumpster.4) Communicate - Make sure the people around you clearly know what you want done with things. Paper is best; be as detailed as possible. And make sure that everyone involved has a copy - loved ones, lawyers, etc. If you really want to make sure that it goes to the right place, consider donating it while you are still around to deliver it yourself.Don't try and impose too many conditions on things; for example, if you think your collection should never, ever be broken up or dispersed, then make sure you leave them enough money for the care, maintenance and housing of it. And remember, that while you may think that your collection is priceless and irreplaceable, others might not share your view. Micro-managing beyond your death is rarely as successful as you would like it to be...Tim