Outgoing Loan Procedures

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The Nebraska State Historical Society loans objects from its collections to qualified institutions for exhibit, research, or other interpretive purposes. The Collections Committee reviews loan requests. Considerations of rarity, intrinsic and historic value, conservation needs, and display status determine what may be available for loan. Loans are made for a period of not less than fourteen (14) days or more than two (2) years. Loans may be renewed upon request.

Application:

Requests for loans should be made at least six (6) months in advance and must be submitted in written form on institutional letterhead. Requests with less than six (6) months’ notice will be considered as staff resources and schedules allow. Requests should include the specific objects/items, purpose of the loan, and the proposed start and end dates of the loan period.

Institutions requesting loans must meet certain environmental, display, and security standards and must provide a completed copy of the American Alliance of Museums General Facility Report with the loan request.

Loan requests for all material types shall be sent to: [email protected]

Loan Approval:

Requests for loans are reviewed every third week by the Collections Committee. If the loan is approved an Agreement for Outgoing Loan form will be sent to the borrower. This should be signed and returned to the Registrar.

The borrower shall purchase wall-to-wall insurance coverage for loaned objects and shall name History Nebraska as an insured and loss payable. A certificate of insurance shall be provided. Valuation of objects for insurance purposes will be determined by NSHS and/or qualified appraisers.

Borrower Responsibility:

Unless otherwise specified in writing, the borrower will be responsible for the cost and arrangements related to the transportation of the loaned object, subject to approval by NSHSa.

The reproduction or photographing of object(s) is expressly forbidden without the written permission of NSHS.

Exhibits, publications, etc., using borrowed NSHS objects will give credit to the Nebraska State Historical Society. Borrowers must comply with any special environmental, security, handling or installation requirements noted on the loan agreement.

All objects loaned shall remain in the condition in which they were received. The borrower shall make no alteration to the loaned object(s) without prior written authorization. This includes, but is not limited to: conservation, alteration of any frame, matting material, or support structure associated with the loaned object(s).

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About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

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