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Case Summary
Rockwell v. Trustees of the Berkshire Museum
Rockwell v. Trs. of the Berkshire Museum, Civ. No. 17-0253 (Mass. Super. Ct. Nov. 7, 2017).
Précis
In 2017, the Berkshire Museum announced plans to sell 40 artworks from its collection, including two paintings by Norman Rockwell, to cover mounting debt and operating expenses. Descendants of Rockwell and museum members filed for an injunction claiming that the sale violated the Berkshire Museum’s fiduciary duty.
Associated Legal Decision(s)
Associated Statutes and/or Legislation
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Massachusetts Statute - General Laws, Chapter 12, § 8, Due application of charity funds enforced
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Massachusetts Statute - General Laws, Chapter 180, § 6C, Directors, Officers or Incorporations; Good faith performance of duties; Liability
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Massachusetts Statute - General Laws, Chapter 180, § 8A, Sale, lease or exchange of corporate property and assets; Grant of security interest; Public charities; Notification of attorney general and commissioner of public health; Investigation
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New York Statute - Education Law § 233-a Property of the State Museum
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