IOW, this could be another RatherGate.
Posted on 12/07/2009 7:04:04 PM PST by SunkenCiv
At no point, Low says, did he sign an agreement to sell or give the tablet to the historical society. He always considered it a loan. "I never intended for them to keep it," he said. "I told them it's not for sale." Low said the artifact has great sentimental value for him, not only because he found it as a child, but also because he has American Indian ancestors who could be related to the ancient Adena people who made the carving. Two years ago, Low decided he wanted to get the tablet back so he could donate it permanently it to the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History in Parkersburg, W.Va. To his surprise, the society refused... More than a dozen similar tablets have been found in Ohio and contiguous states where the Woodland people lived. Historians don't know exactly what they were used for, but it's suspected they had ceremonial use. Low's tablet is unique because it includes human faces interpreted to be shamans wearing costumes of raptorial birds. In documents released as part of the court case, the society acknowledged that it has no records proving transfer of ownership. However, officials said at that time, many museums did not require written documentation of gifts. Two letters turned up, dated Sept. 2, 1971, and Oct. 18, 1971, in which director Daniel R. Porter thanked Low for his "gift to the Society of the two Adena tablets which you so generously presented." Neither letter was on society letterhead, and the September letter was not signed. Low said he didn't receive either letter.
(Excerpt) Read more at dispatch.com ...
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The leftist trash that runs Google hasn't got any reference to Pearl Harbor Day. Here's a link to click, a sort of FReep by which they may be sent a message. It will probably fall on deaf ears, but at least you'll feel better. |
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· Discover · Nat Geographic · Texas AM Anthro News · Yahoo Anthro & Archaeo · Google · · The Archaeology Channel · Excerpt, or Link only? · cgk's list of ping lists · |
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Ah yes, possession is 9/10 of the law!
There was a scandal in Milwaukee a few years ago. It seems that the Public Museum staff had dumped boatloads of artifacts into the Lake at various times over the last 75 years. At least that was what was charged. And the Art Museum sold off a lot of paintings and sculptures from the “permanent” collection to finance their new digs. At the time, the directors of both museums made noises about how they could not keep everything — that they had to make room for new acquisitions. I suppose they have a point, but they did not try to contact the donors, or their heirs, to ask if they would like their artifacts and art returned.
I decided right there that if I ever had anything that was worthy to collect that I would sell it myself, or give it to an interested relative rather than seek a museum home for it.
The same rule applies to the local library. They dump most books that are donated.
OTOH, maybe this is a case of donor's remorse as the state is claiming, in which case it wouldn't have helped him.
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