Has anyone out there had the experience of an institutional name
change, with or without a change in mission?  I'm interested in
reactions and responses to the following:
 
>From time to time over the past few years, the idea of changing the
name of the Science Museum of Virginia to "something else" has arisen
among members of the museum family, principally trustees and /or
directors of the museum's foundation.  The reason given for the
change are, essentially, a) that the word "museum" connotes an inert
and static place of musty collections, whereas SMV is a science
center of interactive exhibits with few collections; and b) that a
name change now on the threshold of a capital campaign will send the
message of an invigorated institution more appealing to donors.
"Virginia Science Center" has been suggested, and no change in
mission is contemplated.  SMV is a state agency museum with a
state-wide mission.
 
If you (all) have any thoughts that go beyond the bounds of
appropriate electronic discourse with regard to the above
characterization of "museum," please feel free to respond to me
directly.
 
Many thanks!
 
Elizabeth Blatt
Deputy Director, Science Museum of Virginia
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