>Hey everyone!! I would like some imput on a potential problem we may be
>facing at our museum. I am the assistant curator of collections at the
>National Firearms Museum and as our name would suggest, we have guns. Next
>week, a VIP will be coming to the museum to be interviewed as part of an oral
>history project. In the 1980's he donated his Pan American Games medal and
>the gun he used to not only break the world record but hold it until even
>today. Now in his 60's, the VIP is a shooting coach. It has been suggested by
>non-museum staff that he fire the gun he donated to us into a target and the
>target be saved as archival documentation of the whole event. I think this is
>a unique situation, but maybe it is not. It somewhat reminds me of the
>problem with "feeding" Zuni masks in the Smithsonian's collection. Any
>thoughts? I have not responded to the request yet in hopes it will be
>forgotten, but I am inclined to say no.  What say ye all?
>
>- Adrienne

Photos, handshakes, speeches, and signed Deed of Gift forms can best serve
as documents of the event.  I think you really compromise your collections
management principles if you allow the weapon firing, not to mention the
potential safety considerations IF (big if, but if nonetheless) something
goes wrong.  As sponsor of the firing event, you would be liable for any
damages resulting from an accident.  I am a firearms enthusiast myself, and
I love to see live firing demonstrations.  From a professional museum
perspective, however, the firing of the weapon would be ill-advised.  The
object in your permanent collection is no longer just a firearm, but a
representative of a certain technology, as well as an event associated with
a well known personality.  If it is to remain as a document of firearm
technology in its own right, in perpetuity, then it should be accorded the
utmost care available.  The PR benefit does not appear to justify the risk
to the weapon, the public, and the standards of collection care to which
you presumably subscribe.  Good Luck.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Henry B. Crawford                                       v
Curator of History                                       v
Museum of Texas Tech University               v
Box 43191                                                   v
Lubbock, TX  79409-3191                         v
806/742-2442                                          v
FAX 742-1136                                            v
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All opinions expressed are mine                   v
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