Although it’s unclear if the blog I formerly managed will continue after the reorganization at the National Trust, I would encourage you to download and copy the many free resources that are available now while you have a chance.  My recommendations are:

• Standards and Best Practices for Historical Interpretation and Public Education (a compilation from various sources; will be provided in an updated form on this blog).
• Best Practices for the Care of Structures and Landscapes at National Trust Historic Sites (a 35 Mb pdf developed by Barbara Campagna, FAIA)
• Collections Management Policy (a general version that serves as a foundation for all National Trust Historic Sites; each Site creates a more specific version for their unique needs).
• Procedures for processing requests to publish images of your site or collections, an increasingly complex issue in the digital age.  Allowing photography at sites and museums is even more complicated given the profits to be made from images, and while this has not be concluded by the National Trust, some of the draft materials produced so far may be useful.
• Preservation and Use of Musical Instruments (recently produced guidelines for pianos, guitars, violins, and other musical instruments based on the practices of several museums).
• Guidelines for Special Events/Special Property Use (an extensive checklist of issues to consider when developing rental policies and procedures at an historic site or museum).
• Fund Raising Letters (a very popular section offering sample notes and letters to potential supporters and to acknowledge a gift produced by Barry Goodinson).
• Comparative info of National Trust Historic Sites, including mission statements, admission fees, membership fees, and hours of operation.
• National Trust policies that can serve as a model for your organization, such as conflict of interest for employees and trustees, travel, and social media.
• 2011-2012 Planning Calendar (a month-by-month list of significant events to help staff identify dates to avoid or coordinate)

Because they’re owned by the National Trust, I can’t relocate most of those resources to this blog but there are a few I’ll recreate in an updated format in the coming weeks.