Many people own collectibles they would consider selling if they found the right home for them. Then, there are lots of things consumers would love to get their hands on, but not all are for sale. When I encountered both situations, I contacted the Smithsonian Institution…
Dear Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs:
I wrote the Smithsonian Information office and never heard back. On a positive note, something I’ve written is now in the Smithsonian. I’m resending my letter to your office hoping to get some answers.
I’ve been to the Smithsonian and love what you’ve done with the place. I own some cool stuff too, but none can compare with anything you’ve got. Well, maybe one thing — a blue hooded sweatshirt that says, “Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band European Tour 1975” on the back, and “Born to Run” on the front. Is this something the Smithsonian would be interested in purchasing? It does have a small hole on the front, but if you’re interested, please make me your best take-it-or-leave-it offer.
My son is coming to visit soon with his new girlfriend, whom I haven’t met yet. It seems serious, so I’d really like to impress her. Is there anything in the Smithsonian you could rent me for a weekend? I remember from my last visit that you had Archie Bunker’s chair from the 1970s. That would look outstanding in my living room and I’ll bet she’d love to sit on it. She wasn’t even born in the 70s, but I could get an All in the Family DVD Set and bring her up to date. Or, how about the stopwatch from 60 Minutes — do you still have that lying around? She’ll definitely have heard of that show.
It really doesn’t matter what you can rent me as long as it’s a national treasure. I would be willing to use a TAG Heuer watch and a 2004 Toyota Solara as collateral, both of which could very well end up in the Smithsonian one day.
Please send me a list of items you’d be willing to rent and a price list.
Very Smithsonianly yours,
“Me”
The Smithsonian Institution responded with:
Your inquiry of July 6, 2010, regarding borrowing objects from Smithsonian collections has been received in the Smithsonian’s Public Inquiry Mail Service for response.
The Smithsonian holds objects in its collections in trust for the nation. We do not loan materials to individuals. Objects are loaned for research to educational institutions. Artifacts may be loaned to organizations developing exhibitions. All loans are affected under strict rules. We are enclosing samples of loan policies currently in effect at Smithsonian museums.
We regret that we are unable to assist you and appreciate your interest in the Smithsonian.
Final Thoughts: Unfortunately, I will need to impress my son’s girlfriend in other ways. Something from the Smithsonian would have been a lot better than old war stories, especially since the only war I’ve ever served in was Color War at summer camp.
Included in the reply were printouts of the Loan Policy web pages for the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Division of Mammals: Department of Vertebrate Zoology as well as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. I’m not sure why they included these since they don’t loan to individuals. It’s not like I can compare their items to what’s being offered on eBay.
Even if it’s not available for rental, you may enjoy this Smithsonian page dedicated to The Bunker’s Chairs. And if you want see it in person, along with other phenomenal historic collectibles, visit the Smithsonian Museums.
Here’s where you can learn more about the Smithsonian Institution. However, if there’s something unique you want to sell, buy, borrow or rent, there’s no harm in inquiring or making an offer. Sometimes you’ll have to write a person, organization or institution, and in the case of manufacturers, you’ll have to Write The Company.
