I don't understand why the definition of museum has to be so narrow and
exclusive.  Both a museum of fine arts and something grimy and pedestrian
like an airshow are part and parcel of material culture, conservation (to
different degrees), and education.  Why does a museum have to be indoors,
in a controlled environment, etc.?  Because standards for accreditation
are geared to that environment?  Can the following functions occur in
both environments: acquisition, conservation, study, interpretation,
display of objects?  Yes, they can and do.  IMHO, a museum exhibit can be
lots more than what we've traditionally been shown -- even if it's not in
a conventional "museum," it can achieve similar purposes through much
different means.  In this sense I regard an airshow as a potentially
educational exhibit, and the whole event as a sort of ephemeral museum.

Doug Lantry

........................
Doug Lantry
University of Delaware
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On Fri, 29 Mar 1996, David Haberstich wrote:

>  I don't understand why so many people are so confused about what a
> museum is. No, an airshow is not a museum exhibit. There is no point in
> trying to turn all language and communication on its ear. Does an
> airshow have certain aspects in common with a museum? Of course. But it
> ain't a museum. --D. Haberstich
>