Museums, historical societies, libraries, and related non-profits are entrusted to hold collections belonging to all of us — they are our common patrimony, acquired or gifted for the express purpose of educating and enriching the lives of everyone. Linking us across cultures and time, they attest to our common humanity, deepen our understanding of the past, and offer a road map for future generations to build upon in perpetuity. Current economic, social, and political conditions increasingly pressure institutions to divest of art and objects to shore up their finances. This puts the Public Trust in danger, as it often results in the transfer of beloved and culturally important objects into private hands, removing them from public view. The sale of the Berkshire Museum’s most valuable art garnered national news coverage for this reason. It is a warning to concerned citizens that it is our collective responsibility to make our voices heard, to protect what belongs to all of us—the Public Trust.