Museum Thefts

[Luke MacGillie]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2006

COLORADO MUSEUMS THEFT



Small museums in Colorado have recently been the victims of a series
of thefts. Both the Estes Park Museum in Estes Park, Colorado and
the Fort Morgan Museum in Fort Morgan, Colorado have had items
stolen from their galleries in the last few weeks.

John Steinle, Director of the Hiwan Homestead Museum and Chairman of
the Colorado Wyoming Association of Museums (CWAM) said museums in
the region have been notified of the thefts and many are tightening
security which should help prevent future thefts, but the long term
goal is to get the stolen artifacts returned to their owners.
Steinle went on to give some facts about art theft, stating
that, "54% of thefts occurred in a private residence and only 12% in
a museum." He also said that, "One of the main reasons CWAM is
working so hard to get these thefts publicized is that many items
have been returned over the years following publicity that makes it
difficult for the thief to sell the items." Steinle went on to
remind the public to continue to have faith in their local museums,
pointing out the recent high profile art thefts across the world.

Leman Trade Rifle from the 1845-1870 period was stolen in Estes
Park. The percussion rifle, on loan from Grand Teton National Park,
was discovered missing from the Museum's permanent exhibit gallery
on January 31st, 2006. A staff member noted the rifle's absence
around 2 p.m., and immediately called the police.

The percussion rifle is 47" long; it features a small round brass
patch box, brass stock plate, and wooden ramrod marked "Leman Lanctr
Pa." The gun is distinguished by the lock, patch box, hard maple
stock and heavy barrel.

Museum Director Betty Kilsdonk reports that the case is being
investigated by the Estes Park Police Department and the National
Park Service. Anyone having information about this crime should call
the Estes Park Police Department at 970-586-4000. For more
information contact curator Becky Latanich at 970-577-3761.

On Friday, February 10, 2006 someone broke into the Native American
exhibit case at the Fort Morgan Museum. The person or persons came
prepared with the tools they would need to open the case, remove the
large piece of plate glass, and then cleaned out the case. The thief
got away with five pairs of moccasins, a beaded belt, a beaded
strap, a hatchet, a stone club and a small quilled item commonly
thought to be a watch fob. Images of the stolen Native American
items can be found on the Museum's website www.ftmorganmus.org 
Other items stolen at this time include two pairs of Glider Pilot
wings, insignia from an AmTrak conductor's hat and three pairs of
spurs.

Marne Jurgemeyer, Fort Morgan Museum Director, reported that in
addition to the case being investigated by the Fort Morgan Police
Department the items are also registered with the FBI Art Crime
Team, the Art Loss Register, The Antique Tribal Art Dealers
Association and a variety of other art theft registries. Anyone
having information about this crime should contact the Fort Morgan
Police Department at 970-542-5678 or Marne Jurgemeyer at 970-542-
4010.

Anyone having information about these thefts is encouraged to
contact the respective police departments or the FBI.

[Luke MacGillie]

Would it be possible to get a Tack on this thread?  The only think I hate more than a theif is  folks who want to have a stranglehold on information.  All these items are now no longer available for serious reaserchers to study.