Joan Rivers Joke Collection Heading to the Smithsonian Museum?

In the 2010 Joan Rivers documentary 'A Piece of Work,' the legendary comedian revealed drawers and drawers full of the 1,000's of jokes she had written over her decades-long career, each one written out on old, worn index cards and filed away by subject.

Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, those priceless relics from Rivers' estate may find their way to Washington DC's Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Says director of the Smithsonian Valeska Hilbig, "We would be interested in discussing her legacy with [Rivers'] family when the time is right."

Rivers' publicist Judy Katz told THR that "no decisions have been made" as to the future of the jokes but adds that plans will be made "at some point."

Ricki Stern, who directed the 2010 documentary, believes the priceless jokes belong where Rivers' fans can appreciate them best. "I'd hope they are held in some kind of museum," he shared.

Also under consideration as a final resting place for the collection is the Library of Congress, which currently houses the jokes of comedian Bob Hope. Still another option is to scan them and post them online, similar to what Rodney Dangerfield's widow did with his collection of one-liners. "It was a labor of love and continues to be," explained Joan Dangerfield.

Brian Paco Alvarez, former chairman of the Liberace Foundation shared his advice to Rivers' family. "I could see [permanent] exhibits of her life and her comedy. And while she didn't leave behind any pianos, man, she has a wardrobe."

Do you think Rivers' joke collection deserves a spot in the Smithsonian? Tell us in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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