A University of Wisconsin/Madison student has been arrested on charges he stole signatures of early American figures while he was working at a Yale University library over the summer. Benjamin W. Johnson, 21, allegedly stole and sold about 70 documents bearing the signatures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other historical figures.
Accoring to an October 10 Associated Press report, Johnson also faces charges in Connecticut of first-degree larceny and first-degree criminal mischief. Catherine Barnes, president of the Professional Autograph Dealers Association, told police she paid Johnson $3,750 for Washington's signature September 6 after Johnson contacted her via e-mail. Barnes said Johnson told her that he had inherited the documents from his father and uncle, who collected presidential autographs. Capitol Police Detective Ed Bardon told reporters that Johnson's father still works at Yale. From: Shauna Isaac shaunaisaac@lootedart.com
Subject:
Central Registry of Information on Looted Cultural Property 1933 - 1945
Dear Tom and Jonathan,
I hope you remember me as the person who created the Museum Provenance List (http://www.provenancelist.com). I am now working as the content director for the Central Registry of Information on Looted Cultural Property 1933-1945 at http://www.lootedart.com
We are in the process of creating a comprehensive website containing internationally available information and research relating to cultural property looted between 1933-1945. The website will include a unique database of looted objects and of objects under investigation in museums throughout the world. Other information, such as government reports, claimant information, and research resources will be made available and organised by country.
Can you please make an announcement about this in your newsletter? You can either use the text above, or you can contact me for a more detailed description. Can you also please add our link to both of your websites. Please use the following for the description: The Central Registry of Information on Looted Cultural Property 1933-1945 (www.lootedart.com) The Central Registry is a comprehensive website containing internationally available information on cultural property looted between 1933-1945.
Can you also please add a link to the Commission for Looted Art in Europe. They are the organisation that helped establish the Central Registry. The Commission for Looted Art in Europe (ECLA) (http://www.lootedartcommission.com) The Commission is a non-profit making body helping families, communities and institutions worldwide with research, identification and recovery of looted cultural property 1933-1945.
Thank you for all your help and please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Shauna Isaac Central Registry of Information 76 Gloucester Place London W1U 6HJ Tel: +44 (0)20 7487 3401 Fax: +44 (0)20 7487 4211 shaunaisaac@lootedart.com