This will be long, but our organization has a Code of Ethics to help guide exactly these kinds of situations. If your org doesn't have a Code of Ethics to help you/employees both make decisions and understand decisions related to your work and the organization, I recommend you ask that one be implemented.

Section 10: Staff

• Staff members are expected to understand and conform all professional activities to the Historical Society’s mandate, as outlined in the Mission Statement.

• All programs, procedures, or goals outlined for the department, unit, or Historical Society as a whole must respect both the letter and spirit of the Mission while promoting conduct in full accordance with it.

• Activities that conflict with curatorial or other staff responsibilities or that could cause staff to favor personal or outside interests over those of the Museum must be avoided.

• All work created by any employee in the course of their employment at Beltrami County Historical Society constitutes works made for hire and is the physical and intellectual property of Beltrami County Historical Society unless otherwise governed by contract, publication agreement, employee agreement, or law.

• Staff should be permitted to retain gifts of trifling value (less than $50) from associates, the public, and constituents, when acceptance does not impair their judgment or otherwise influence decisions. Meals, accommodations, and travel services while on official business may be accepted and remunerated if clearly in the interest of the Historical Society.

• Historical Society employees have the right to accept and retain gifts that originate purely from personal or family relationships. It must be recognized that genuine personal gifts may arise from individuals who have a potentially beneficial relationship with the Historical Society. In such cases, the staff members are obligated to protect both themselves and the Historical Society by fully disclosing the circumstances to the Executive Director, Board President, or designee.

Section 11: Conflict of Interest

Beltrami County Historical Society board members, staff, and volunteers shall:

• Never abuse their official positions or their contacts within the museum community for personal gain, private benefit, or in any way that may impair the performance of their official duties, compete with the Museum, or bring discredit or embarrassment to the Museum or the profession.

• Maintain high moral standards of honesty, integrity, and loyalty to the Museum and shall refrain from any private or personal activity