Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries

Best and Worst Practices in Deaccessioning
Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Why Do We Own?

Alternatives for Preservation of Historic Structures

Carl R. Nold

President and CEO

Historic New England

Boston, MA

1. Background and philosophy on acquisition and disposal of historic properties by Historic New England since 1910.

2. Brief description of the process that we follow today in making decisions about real property, with handout (attached) on our policy/procedure.

3. Brief description of the Stewardship Program that we operate to ensure the long-term preservation of historic properties that are privately owned, including those that leave our ownership.

Historic New England

141 Cambridge Street

Boston, MA02114

617 227-3956

Historic New England

Policy

Disposition of Real Properties

Effective: June 19, 2002

Preamble

A potential disposition of Historic New England-held property will be judged on its merits as outlined below, and the determination that preservation of the property can be accomplished through ownership by others with preservation restrictions managed by the stewardship team of Historic New England. The properties committee will recommend properties for disposition to the board of trustees.

Analysis of Significance

The recommendation of the properties committee will be accomplished by a disposition case report on the property in question, evaluating it in terms of its significance in the following categories:

  • Architectural significance (structures and landscapes)
  • Historical and associational significance
  • Collections
  • Archival and documentary records
  • Completeness or totality (does it have the “complete package” of architecture, landscape, collections, archives over a long period of time?)
  • Physical condition of the building, landscape and collections (including hazardous materials)
  • Relationship to other Historic New England holdings (geographic, staffing, style, period, story)
  • Environment (other historic resources, neighborhood character, development threats)
  • Financial viability
  • Income potential
  • Popular interest and potential for positive exposure
  • Potential local interest and support (community politics)
  • Exposure to physical threats (vandalism, fire, flooding, emergency vehicle access)
  • Potential to attract an audience (rational house tour, population base, tourism)
  • Existing public access to the property (public transportation, parking, ease of signage/directions)
  • Legal or regulatory restrictions or limitation on the use and treatment of the property (zoning, local historic district, easements)

The case report should also include any restrictions which have been placed on the property as to its use and disposition, original donor intent, why the property was accepted by Historic New England and what potential uses the property might be suited for at some future time.

Procedure for Disposition of Real Properties

  • A written proposal outlining recommended disposition, whether by sale or transfer of ownership, from the properties division staff is sent to the properties committee of the board of trustees following assessment of qualities of the property, investigation of restrictions and donor intent, and potential interest in the property evinced by local historical agencies.
  • Properties committee review and gives approval to proceed.
  • Heirs of testator or donor are contacted [where appropriate].
  • Application is made to Probate Court [where appropriate].
  • Properties division staff investigates further and proceeds with the following:

Consultation with real estate advisor including appraisal.

Consults with stewardship team which determines endowment contribution and draws up preservation restrictions to be attached to deed of transfer.

Consideration of disposition of collections (furnishings, library and archives) in consultation with appropriate staff.

  • Properties division staff reports to properties committee of the board with recommendations where appropriate concerning preservation restrictions,

disposition of collections, sale price and use of proceeds or conditions of transfer depending on the method of disposition.

  • Properties committee recommends disposition of property to board of trustees.
  • Board of trustees takes formal vote.
  • If approved for disposition, properties division staff contacts real estate agent to handle sale of property after consulting with advisor(s) as to agent and contract therewith. In the case of transfer of ownership, staff and counsel will negotiate terms of agreement.
  • Offer to purchase is made. Properties division staff accepts if asking price or above is offered; otherwise, staff consults with chairman of properties committee of the board and real estate advisor(s).
  • Purchase and sale agreement is signed.
  • Title is transferred and stewardship agreement is filed.
  • Statement of accounts showing direct and indirect expenses of sale and amount of net proceeds and their disposition is drawn up.

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