Again, having not been there, this is only an outside observation - but what collections or material evidence does this organization hold for interpretation? A series of dioramas? That's neither a collection nor material evidence of anything other than an exhibit designer's capabilities. 

Nancy


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Gayle
Sent: Sat 6/16/2007 2:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Word Game Creation
 
The question has arisen in the creation thread as to whether the Creation Museum is just that, a museum.  I think there's a little narcissim that goes on in the museum sector, that museum needs to be as defined by one or more specific organizations (AAM, ICOM, etc.).  While that works for the rules of the groups that belong, they may not, in fact, work for the people who create museums--even if those museums don't match your perception of what constitutes a museum.  So, I decided to do a little digging online for definitions.
   
  According to Wikipedia:
   
  Museum Definitions
  The Museums Association definition (adopted 1998) is:
          "  Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society.  "
  A previous Museums Association definition was:
    
   "A museum is an institution which collects, documents, preserves, exhibits and interprets material evidence and associated information for the public benefit."   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum#Museum_Definitions
   
  Now many of us who have stronger leanings in science find the Creation museum to be a farce, failing to hold up to the standards of science.  But, to the bigger question of are they a museum, by the definition above, the answer would seem yes.  They inspire, people learn (remember, that can be very subjective), and they hold things in trust for a segment of society.  Clearly, they interpret.  
  

=========================================================
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).