this just in ...
James Mitchell
Librarian, American Folk Art Museum
Shirley K. Schlafer Library
45 West 53rd St.
New York, NY 10019
[log in to unmask]
(212) 265-1040 x110
US Working Group for Iraq Cultural Heritage
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
>Dear Colleagues -
>
>Here is an interesting report --
>
>The following is an update from the State Department staff supporting
>ORHA (Office for Reconstructions and Humanitarian Assistance) staff.
>Ambassador Limbert is a member of ORHA responsible for cultural affairs:
>
>1) Ambassador Limbert has reached Baghdad and the National Museum of
>Iraq.
>He spoke to the museum staff -- all of whom are safe.
>
>2) Museum officials told Ambassador Limbert that they have good records
>of holdings -- rumor that these records were destroyed is not true.
>
>3) Despite the loss of many valuable pieces, a good many smaller,
>valuable pieces had been put in storage for safe keeping and may still be
>at the Museum. The officials asked the US military to provide lighting in
>basement storage areas so that an inventory can be done.
>
>4) Many stolen objects have been returned to the Museum via local mosques
>at the urging of religious leaders.
>
>5) Islamic collection appears not to be badly affected -- the most
>valuable manuscripts were successfully placed in safe keeping.
>
>6) Museum officials told Ambassador Limbert that what they will most need
>in the way of assistance will be:
> a) people to help with restoration
> b) financial or in-kind assistance to replace lost equipment (e.g.,
> cameras, security system, computers.
>
>************************************************************************
>
>We will post a draft letter to USAID for your comment and sign-on on
>Friday.
>
>
>
>Best regards,
>
>Helen J. Wechsler
>Director
>International and Ethics Programs
>American Association of Museums
>1575 Eye Street, NW Suite 400
>Washington, DC 20005
>tel: (202) 218-7699
>fax: (202) 289-6578
>
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