1. Objects borrowed from the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American
History (NMAH) will be given special care at all times to insure against loss, damage, or deterioration.
Objects must be maintained in a building equipped to protect objects from fire, smoke, or flood
damage; under 24-hour physical and/or electronic security; under 24-hour monitored fire protection;
and protected from extreme temperatures and humidity, excessive light, and from insects, vermin,
dirt, or other environmental hazards.
2. NMAH objects will be displayed inside limited access exhibit galleries dedicated solely to the
exhibition. Objects will not be displayed in lobbies, hallways, foyers, commercial spaces, or multiple
use spaces.
3. Objects will be unpacked, handled, installed, de-installed, and repacked only by experienced
professional museum object handlers and will be secured from damage and theft by appropriate
brackets, railings, display cases, or other responsible means.
5. No food or drink is allowed in exhibition spaces where NMAH objects are on display or in areas
where NMAH objects are staged, processed, packed, unpacked, or stored.
6. A daily visual check of the exhibition space will be carried out wherever NMAH objects are
present. Any changes in the status or condition of the objects will be brought promptly to the
attention of the NMAH Loan Program Manager.
7. Upon receipt and prior to return of the objects, the Borrower must make a written record of object
condition, which will include photographs. The NMAH Loan Program Manager will be notified
immediately if damage or loss has occurred. Borrower must promptly follow this notification with a
full written report and photographs.
8. No object may be altered, cleaned, treated, restored, or repaired without prior written permission
from NMAH.
9. NMAH objects are lent to the borrower for the stated purpose only. Objects will not be loaned to
any third party, removed from exhibit, placed in storage, taken to any offsite facility, or used for any
other purpose without prior written permission from the NMAH Loan Program Manager.
10. Newly constructed and/or painted exhibit cases, exhibitry and gallery wall surfaces will off-gas for
a minimum of 28 days prior to installation of objects.
11. NMAH may require an inspection and approval of the facility and/or the actual installation by a
member of its staff as a condition of the loan, at the expense of the Borrower.
Insurance
12. Objects shall be insured during the period of this loan for the value stated in Section 2. Description
of Collections of this agreement under an “all-risk”, wall-to-wall policy subject only to the following
standard exclusions: wear and tear, gradual deterioration, insects, vermin or inherent vice; repairing,