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Collections Policy

Scope of Collections

The Collection consists of the Museum Property and Personal Property that William S. Hart (Hart) bequeathed to the County of Los Angeles (County) following his death in 1946. On February 13, 2025 the Master Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of Santa Clarita for the Transfer of William S. Hart Park (Master Agreement) was executed, subsequently transferring the Museum and Collection from the County to the City of Santa Clarita (City). The City has governing authority over the Museum and Collection. The Collection consists of the following historic properties: the Ranch House and associated outbuilding, Hart Mansion, Tea Room, Pool House, Garage and Chauffer’s Quarters, Tower Gate, Bunkhouse, and animal graveyards. The Collection also encompasses more than 6,000 objects, including fine arts, decorative arts, costumes and textiles, household furnishings, artifacts, publications, and ephemera that Hart acquired over his lifetime. Additionally, the Collection includes the William S. Hart Archives (Archives) and Hart related research files created by the County. The Archives and County files are under the care and custody of the City of Santa Clarita Historical Archives.

ACQUISITIONS

The City, in accordance with Hart’s Last Will and Testament, maintains the Collection in its original state. Therefore, the City does not accept gifts, donations, deposits, or bequests of any kind to be added to the permanent collection.

DEACCESSIONS

Deaccessioning is the formal process that removes an object from the Collection. When necessary, the City will deaccession objects in accordance with the Master Agreement. Objects from the Collection will be deaccessioned if one of the following criteria is met:

1. Object is in poor or deteriorated condition and cannot be treated or stabilized without causing undue burden to the City
2. Object poses a risk to staff or the Collection
3. Object is proven to have a prior ownership claim and must be returned to the original owner in accordance with State and Federal law

The City will maintain permanent records for all deaccessioned objects. The decision to deaccession an object(s) from the Collection is at the discretion of the City Librarian.

CARE OF COLLECTION

The City is committed to the care and preservation of the Collection. The City provides appropriate environmental controls, security, preventive care, and conservation treatments to safeguard the Collection from advanced deterioration, damage, and theft. The City also maintains a comprehensive and effective Emergency/Disaster Plan that protects staff and public safety while minimizing loss and damage to the Collection.

Emergency procedures and collections care practices are regularly reviewed to ensure they reflect professional standards established by the City and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

ACCESS

The City provides access to the Collection through tours, exhibitions, educational and public programs, and a variety of digital platforms. In accordance with professional standards, the City balances access to the Collection with the care needed to ensure its longevity. On occasion, portions of the Collection may require care or maintenance that impacts public access for a period of time. When this occurs, the City will continue to provide access to unaffected portions of the Collection, when possible, and provide alternate opportunities for public engagement.

Access to the Museum Collection outside of scheduled tours, exhibitions, and digital media is not available.

EXHIBITION

The City uses the Collection to interpret its historic properties at William S. Hart Park. Collection objects may be rotated on and off display for preservation purposes and to promote public discovery and engagement. All objects on display have permanent value to the Santa Clarita community and are not available for personal research.

LOANS

The Collection is comprised of unique, rare, and fragile objects that have site-specific significance. The Collection, or any portion thereof, is not available for loan.

APPRAISAL AND AUTHENTICATION

The City appraises the Collection for internal purposes. The City does not view the Collection as a financial resource and will not sell any portion of the Collection for the purpose of generating revenue. The City does not provide appraisal services or authenticate objects for the public.

ETHICS

Staff is subject to the City’s Code of Ethics and Conduct and recognizes the ethical guidelines established by the AAM and the American Association for State and Local History.

EXCEPTIONS

There are no exceptions to this Policy without the express authorization of the City Manager.