In a message dated 1/22/2004 9:24:53 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< A good
 museum's purpose is not to save objects but to serve the society and its
 members. >>

It seems to me that one way a "good museum" serves society and its members is
precisely BY saving objects.  Anyone can serve society.  Restaurants, banks,
artists, musicians, manufacturers, police, and tax collectors all serve
society.  Museums do it in specific, unique ways, and one of the most fundamental is
by "saving" objects and all the nitty-gritty work of collecting, research,
registration, conservation (and yes, exhibition and interpretation) that such an
enterprise entails.  I'll never understand why so many museum folks are so
hell-bent on denigrating such essential activities.

David Haberstich

David Haberstich

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