94-073 MAINE STATE MUSEUM

SUMMARY: To establish rules and regulations for the Conservation Center.

1. Purpose

The Maine State Museum Conservation Center performs conservation services on historical and artistic works of significance to the cultural and environmental heritage of Maine. 27 M.R.S.A. §85.3 Operational Procedures.

2. Conservation Policy Decisions

Conservation policy decisions are established by the Maine State Museum Commission. Administration of Commission policy is the responsibility of the Director of the Maine State Museum.

3. Organization

Supervision of the Conservation Center is assigned on a continuing basis to the Research and Collections Division.

4. Procedure for Handling Requests

1. A. Requests for Services. Requests for conservation work, consulting services, cost estimates, etc. will be referred to the Director or his designate.
2. B. Consultation. Artifacts brought to the Conservation Center by the owner will be examined without cost for an informal evaluation. Upon owner's written authorization, a written condition report will be prepared together with a statement of treatment required when appropriate. Such services will be billed at the rates established in the fee schedule.
3. C. Conservation Treatment. If the owner wishes to have the treatment performed at the Conservation Center, the owner must sign a release statement authorizing the conservation treatment and guaranteeing payment upon delivery of the conserved artifact.
4. D. Remedial Conservation Work. A written report by the conservation staff will be prepared at the owner's expense covering all remedial conservation work.

E. Priority Work. Determination of priority work will be made by the Museum Commission. Between meetings of the Commission, the Director or his designate will be empowered to make such decisions and judgments as necessary to assure maximum productivity and efficiency.

5. Fee Schedule for Consultation

Fees for consultation services will be established by the Director and approved by the Commission in accordance with 27 M.R.S.A. §90.

A. Government Agencies and Organizations. Government agencies and organizations exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations), will be charged at a base rate representing actual costs.

B. Private Foundations. Organizations exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code but which are private foundations as defined under Section 509, will be charged the base rate as noted in 5A above, plus 25%.

C. Others. Individuals, profit-making organizations, and non-operating trusts will be charged at the base rate as noted in 5A above, plus 50%.

D. Subsidies Available. The Director may at his discretion and according to guidelines established by the Museum Commission, enter into an agreement for conservation services by which the Museum will subsidize part of, or all of the work to be performed in order to meet its statutory requirement to preserve and safeguard collections having particular historical significance to the State.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 27 MRSA §85.3

EFFECTIVE DATE:

May 21, 1979

EFFECTIVE DATE (ELECTRONIC CONVERSION):

March 19, 1997

NON-SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES:

January 28, 1999 - converted to Microsoft Word.