If the story is widely known, such as Washington chopping down the cherry
tree, it might be called an "urban legend" -- though that phrase is usually
reserved for stories of modern origin.

If the story is widespread within an industry but not common outside of it,
it may be called a "professional legend."

Otherwise, "folk history," along the lines of "folk etymology," feels like
the best choice, though that again implies something more widely told and
believed, rather than the invention of an individual.

-- Gene

P.S.: With reference to the exhortation, "if you want competence, pay for
it," A) many museums cannot pay; B) I know of no evidence beyond the
anecdotal that volunteer docents are any less competent than paid.  My
anecdotal experience leads me to value and treasure my volunteers above some
staff (a minority, to be sure) who are only in it for the paycheck.

End of sermon.


"According to the laws of quantum mechanics, God can be omnipotent, or He
can be omniscient, but He can't be both."

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).