We know that collections without a physical space for interpretation and the public do not make a museum. However, we now accept that a physical space without collections can be a museum. Museums with fabricated exhibits that demonstrate and interpret concepts such as many science centers and children's museums are obvious examples. Rather than being the exception, a recent data collection effort of the American Association of Museums found that up to 20% of respondents indicated that they were not collecting institutions. If we can think of another way of wording the definition that remains inclusive of these institutions, that is fine. But we must guard against a definition that is not inclusive of these museums. Perhaps we can delete the whole problematic "often objects" part and have it still work: A MUSEUM IS AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES THE PUBLIC BY INTERPRETING SCIENTIFIC, CULTURAL AND/OR NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH THE USE OF A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT. MUSEUMS THAT HOLD COLLECTIONS CARE FOR THEM AS A PUBLIC TRUST AND PRESERVE THEM FOR THE FUTURE. Helen Wechsler -----Original Message----- From: Milton Bloch [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 11:24 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Definition of a Museum Gary, I like the gerneral approach for its directness and simplicity but "...and often objects..."??? Isn't this a bit like saying that a vegetable market it a nutritional outlet that has stalls, awnings and often vegetables. Museums without objects are clearly the exception and their status is still a matter to be resolved. It seems to me that collections of objects are at the very heart of what makes museum education unique and therefore they deserve a far stonger position in the definition. Milton (Milton Bloch) >>> [log in to unmask] 10/07/03 10:50AM >>> Colleagues: The following is one of the definition that has been suggested. What are your thoughts about this idea. Does it adequately describe a "museum," or is it too broad, too limiting, too inclusive, or too exclusive? A MUSEUM IS AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES THE PUBLIC BY INTERPRETING SCIENTIFIC, CULTURAL AND/OR NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH THE USE OF A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND OFTEN OBJECTS. MUSEUMS THAT HOLD COLLECTIONS CARE FOR THEM AS A PUBLIC TRUST AND PRESERVE THEM FOR THE FUTURE. Gary Edson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html