I would check what laws your state has in place. In recent years, many states have passed laws stipulating how museums can remove items from their collections. In addition, check with your institution’s legal council for advice. Also the book :A Legal Primer on Managing Museum Collections by Marie C. Malaro in regards to bequest. And lastly, check with any state or regional Museum groups which could offer advice and be familiar with your state’s laws.
If I was handling this situation, I would get the will, and as many signed levels of approval and documentation as possible and keep a file. Depending on the situation, I may contact next of kin as a consult–not sure how legal that is .
–Shannon
