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Board okays five-year deed of gift to historical society for courthouse artifacts
Summary
The Board approved a deed of gift transferring ownership of artifacts excavated at the historic courthouse to the King William County Historical Society for a minimum of five years so the society can begin conservation work; the deed allows the county to request return or relocation after the period.
At the May 12 meeting the King William County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a deed of gift that transfers ownership of artifacts unearthed during excavation in front of the historic county courthouse to the King William County Historical Society for a minimum period of five years.
County staff explained the historical society had collected roughly 16 acid-free boxes of artifacts and that some metal items are beginning to degrade. Staff said the society will undertake conservation and preservation work that would be costly for the county to perform. The deed presented in the agenda packet includes paragraph 3 establishing a five-year minimum period of custody; staff said the county can request return of items at the end of the five-year term or renegotiate longer-term arrangements.
Board members asked whether the deed's general language allowing retention, exhibition, loan, or disposal conflicted with the specific five-year return condition; county counsel said contract interpretation rests on the rule that the specific controls the general and that paragraph 3 governs return/disposal after five years. Staff also confirmed the historical society will cover conservation costs.
A motion to accept the deed of gift, with the modification discussed on the record, passed by roll call. County staff said items not retained by the historical society could be offered to other regional museums or returned to county property if the society declines continued custody.
