Clues
If someone contacts us with a clue about a missing object we first check it out by contacting an expert.  We want to find out if the information is already known to scholars or not.  It could be a theory that has already been explored and found to be wrong.  We need to know before we publish it on the website. 

If the clue turns out to be new and useful information, even if it is just new to us, it is published on the website and shared with our electronic mailing list. 

Discoveries
Discoveries are far more complicated than clues.  Many issues are brought up when an object from the Catalogue of Missing Objects is reported found, especially if that object is very historically important and valuable. 

The goals of the Museum when a discovery is reported:

• Share the news of the discovery on our website and with our electronic mailing list.
• See that information about the object is made available to all interested scholars and museums.

What the Museum will do when a discovery is reported:

• Report on the discovery much as any news organization would.  This involves asking the owner for information and reporting it on our website and to our electronic mailing list.
• Provide the owner with an information sheet on having the object authenticated, appraised, conserved and/or sold.  This also includes general information on finding reputable professionals to do this work.
• Provide the owner with an information sheet about sharing the object, or at least information about it, with scholars and museums.

What the Museum will NOT do when a discovery is reported:

• Recommend specific professionals who do not work for a museum or other cultural institution.  This includes dealers, appraisers, conservators, and auction houses.
• Take any financial interest in the discovered object.

Contacting scholars and museums:

• It is the goal of the Museum that all interested scholars and museums are notified of a discovery with the same information and at the same time.  However, this will not be possible in every case.
• Catalogue entry authors who work for a museum or other cultural institution are the only people who may have their name and affiliation attached directly to a catalogue entry.  When this is done there is the chance that the owner will contact them directly, perhaps instead of contacting the Museum. 
• Scholars and museums are encouraged to join our electronic mailing list so that they will be among the first to know when a discovery is made.

See also: Information sheet for owners of discovered objects

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