Museum law, most notably the complex issues relating to deaccessioning and the use of proceeds, including representation of the Berkshire Museum in connection with its deaccessioning and sale in 2017-2018 and the Everson Museum in connection with its 2020 deaccessioning and sale of a Pollock to create a fund for the acquisition of works by under-represented artists and a fund to support direct care of the collection.

“Never did I hear a peep about how they were going to get there,” he said of the museum’s proposed “New Vision,” a plan to provide expanded programming in science using its collections and new interactive displays.

Van was a visionary with the unique ability to see all the future opportunties and possibilities without straying from our strategic plan. As a manager his door was always open to staff. He worked very closely and successfully with volunteers and board members to accomplish the museum’s goals.

The Berkshire Museum dropped its opposition Monday to the release of impounded court documents requested by The Berkshire Eagle, making public nearly 60 pages of material sealed since November 1, 2017