Hi,

I work for a small historical society.  We have had a
one room museum for the past few years and are now in
the process of moving to a three story building which
will open in May.

Our visitors have inspired us to take the leap to this
larger space.  I believe genuine artifacts, wonderful
stories, determination and passion of staff and
volunteers can engage the public with less expensive
exhibits.  Feedback from our visitors reinforces this
belief.

It would certainly be wonderful to have more money but
I know our creative exhibits are appreciated by our
visitors.

I say leave the guilt behind.  It takes too much of
the energy you need for a million other things!

Debbie Sprague
North Adams Historical Society and Museum of History
and Science
North Adams, Massachusetts
http://www.northadams.com/history

--- schwenkfelder library & heritage center
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Good morning,
>
> Lately I've been doing a great deal of thinking
> about how small museums can develop a good exhibit
> program on a shoestring budget without becoming
> involved with a large exhibit firm or a bevy of
> consultants.  IUt's been further fueled by the
> visitor charter discussion.
>
> I'm sure many of you who work in small museums
> struggle with this issue.  I know I have to respond
> to opportunities that crop up, and scramble to
> develop some kind of plan.  Frankly, with the
> vagaries of our funding, we don't have the time for
> long planning sessions, hiring consultants to hash
> out every last detail, and a big exhibit firm to
> create a fabulous experience that alternately
> educates, entertains and moves to tears.   The
> "experts" who provide workshops we attend show us
> mind-blowing examples of what several million
> dollars can do, but rarely, what you have to do with
> a lasar printer, some volunteers, and plywood.
>
> We are in the midst of exhibit development for a new
> facility at my institution.  I am almost reluctant
> to admit that we've had to do a lot of on the fly
> planning -- it's the guilt,man!  Are we giving our
> visitors what they need?  Can our genuine artifacts,
> wonderful stories, and determination engage people
> as well as computer interactives and spectacularly
> designed spaces...can I, a curator, provide as great
> and memorabelan experience for all ages as some
> world renowned exhibit firm?  Can they know what we
> need better than we know?  How many of you are
> gripped with this kind on angst?  Please let me know
> I am not alone, and I would be very pleased to hear
> your thoughts.
>
> Candace Perry
> Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
>
>
>


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