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Statement in response to the decision by Berkshire Superior Court Judge John A. Agostini regarding the proposed deaccessioning by the Berkshire Museum

Category: Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2017

ARLINGTON, VA  The American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Art Museum Directors are disappointed at the Court’s unwillingness to halt the proposed sale of works from the Berkshire Museum’s collection. Our organizations remain deeply concerned that the Trustees of the Berkshire Museum are considering deaccessioning works from their collection to support operating expenses and fund an endowment. Museums acquire collections for the benefit of present and future generations. Responsible stewardship of a museum’s collection, and the conservation, exhibition, and study of these works, are at the heart of a museum’s service to its community and to the public. It is, therefore, a fundamental professional principle of both AAM and AAMD that there are clear limitations on the use of funds from deaccessioned works, and these limitations prohibit the use of these funds for operating costs, capital expenses, or general endowments. We will continue to seek out appropriate opportunities to make this case with respect to the Berkshire Museum’s plans, and we stand ready to assist it and other museums facing financial difficulties to avoid resorting to sale of collections as a remedy.

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance stands for the broad scope of the museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org. 

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Media Contact:

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Joseph Klem
Director, Public Relations
American Alliance of Museums
202-218-7670 
jklem@aam-us.org

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