Historical Museum Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 05 15

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• the museum's collections and programs and its physical, human and financial resources are protected, maintained and developed in support of the museum's mission • it is responsive to and represents the interests of society • it maintains the relationship with staff in which shared roles are recognized and separate responsibilities respected • working relationships among trustees, employees and volunteers are based on equity and mutual respect • professional standards and practices inform and guide museum operations • policies are articulated and prudent oversight is practiced • governance promotes the public good rather than individual financial gain. Collections The distinctive character of museum ethics derives from the ownership, care and use of objects, specimens, and living collections representing the world's natural and cultural common wealth. This stewardship of collections entails the highest public trust and carries with it the presumption of rightful ownership, permanence, care, documentation, accessibility and responsible disposal. Thus, the museum ensures that: • collections in its custody support its mission and public trust responsibilities • collections in its custody are lawfully held, protected, secure, unencumbered, cared for and preserved • collections in its custody are accounted for and documented • access to the collections and related information is permitted and regulated • acquisition, disposal, and loan activities are conducted in a manner that respects the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources and discourages illicit trade in such materials • acquisition, disposal, and loan activities conform to its mission and public trust responsibilities • disposal of collections through sale, trade or research activities is solely for the advancement of the museum's mission. Proceeds from the sale of nonliving collections are to be used consistent with the established standards of the museum's discipline, but in no event shall they be used for anything other than acquisition or direct care of collections. • the unique and special nature of human remains and funerary and sacred objects is recognized as the basis of all decisions concerning such collections • collections -related activities promote the public good rather than individual financial gain • competing claims of ownership that may be asserted in connection with objects in its custody should be handled openly, seriously, responsively and with respect for the dignity of all parties involved.