New-york Historical Society

The New York Historical Society is home to one of the nation2s most distinguished research libraries and a world-class museum that includes an impressive collection of Tiffany glasswork, a prized group of Hudson River School paintings, and more than four hundred of the original watercolors used for John Autubon2s classic work The Birds of America. Yet this prestigious institution--with assets estimated to be worth between one and two billiion dollars--has in recent years faced an endless string of financial crises and administrative controversies. The New-York Historical Society takes a probing look behind the headlines to reveal the truth concerning the difficulties that have plagued the Society. This fascinating account is not an expose but an effort to understand why scores of well-intentioned and competent people have been unable to correct problems over the course of the Society2s two-hundred-year existence. Guthrie2s examination of the New-York Historical Society and its efforts to overcome a tradition of mismanagement and elitism serves as an example not only for those concerned about the survival of the Society, but also for those concerned about the continued well-being of museums, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations. Executives, managers, board managers, trustees, scholars and students of nonprofit organizations will benefit from Guthrie2s insightful analysis, which includes a wealth of illustrative examples and pertinent information on issues such as: The key distinction between financial and cultural assets and its implications The proper use and management of endowment resources The ethical considerations raised by deaccession--the selling of works from a museum collection The importance of having a clear and concise mission statement--a vital factor in any organization2s success.Guthrie, Kevin is the author of 'New-york Historical Society' with ISBN 9780787901875 and ISBN 0787901873.