Small Museums, Important Collections - Day 1 - Session 2: Legal Issues in Collections

Includes a Live Web Event on 11/12/2025 at 3:45 PM (EST)

Only available as part of a package

The collection is the heart of any museum, affecting virtually every aspect of museum operations. Collections are held in trust by the museum for the public, and there are legal guidelines to ensure that the objects, and the relationships that brought them to the museum, are respected. This session will help small museums understand the legal requirements that come with caring for a collection. Topics will include:

Respectful care and interpretation of Indigenous collections
Abandoned property
Loans

During the last 15 minutes, attendees can join an informal networking space to talk with each other and with presenters.

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.

Joseph Govednik

Director

Cowlitz County Historical Museum

Joseph Govednik is Director of the Cowlitz County Historical Museum in Kelso, Washington, where he has served since 2017. He was previously Museum Curator at the Foss Waterway Seaport Maritime Museum in Tacoma. Joseph has held executive positions on many board and commissions, including the Washington Museum Association, Tacoma Waterfront Association, Heritage League of Pierce County, City of Lacey Historical Commission, and the Pacific Northwest Maritime Heritage Council. He also founded the Heritage Association of the Lower Columbia.

Tamara Hemmerlein

Director of Local History Services

Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN

Tamara Hemmerlein is Director of Local History Services at the Indiana Historical Society, where she leads a team for statewide outreach in assessing the needs of Indiana’s local heritage organizations, and developing and implementing trainings and other initiatives to benefit the organizations and the communities they serve. Prior to her 14-year career with IHS, she served as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Historical Society in Crawfordsville, Indiana.