Small Museums, Important Collections - Day 2 - Session 4: Deaccessioning

Includes a Live Web Event on 11/13/2025 at 3:45 PM (EST)

Only available as part of a package

As much as collecting is important, the guidelines for what to remove from a collection, and when, are just as important. Donor restrictions, state laws, and ethical considerations exist to preserve the collection and the bounds of trust that make collecting possible. This session will discuss the concept of deaccessioning, when it is and is not acceptable, and how to go about it in ways that preserve and promote stakeholder trust and understanding and clean up your shelves to make room for new stories. This session will discuss:

Importance of having and understanding a policy
Available resources for learning more about proper deaccessioning procedures
Legal processes that must be followed (and how they vary state by state)

During the last 15 minutes, 4:45-5pm, any attendees wanting to participate in an informal networking space can 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.

Elizabeth Beaudoin

Curator of History

Longmont Museum, Longmont, CO

Elizabeth Beaudoin is Curator of History for the Longmont Museum in Colorado, and previously served as Museum Curator for the City and County of Broomfield, CO. Prior work includes the Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum, Maine Maritime Museum, Historic New England, and Fort Ticonderoga.

Anna Faherty

Archivist

Franco-American Collection, University of Southern Maine, Lewiston, ME

Anna Faherty is the archivist at the Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine in Lewiston. As the solo arranger at the Collection, she manages volunteers, interns and student workers; provides K-12 and universit- level instruction on primary sources and Franco-American history in Maine; coordinates community events; accepts archival donations; assists researchers; processes collections; and engages in preventative preservation practices. Anna holds an MA in History and a MS in Library Science with a concentration in archives, both from Simmons University in Boston.

Jacqui Ainlay-Conley

Director

Buffalo Bill Museum, Golden, CO

Jacqui Ainlay-Conley became Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum in 2021. In addition to day-to-day operations, she oversees educational programming and outreach, advertising and marketing, and writing and administering grants. Active in local and national history and museum organizations, she has worked in cultural resource management and museums for the National Park Service, City and County of Broomfield, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, and the Texas Historical Commission.