Pam,
We do not allow food in the exhibit areas with animal mounts, not even
for special events.  No matter how well you clean there always seem to
be stray crumbs or spills somewhere to attract pests.  Also, when we do
allow food in non-mount exhibit areas we have found food in dioramas
(without the mounts), spilled on railings and plexi barriers, cups and
plates tucked behind curtains and cases, etc.  Aargh.
Elizabeth

Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore
Curator of Collections and Archaeology
Virginia Museum of Natural History
1001 Douglas Avenue
Martinsville, VA  24112
[log in to unmask]
(276) 666-8634


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Pam Endzweig
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2004 3:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Food in exhibit areas?

Snip...
I am concerned about having food in this area (albeit exclusively during
occasional receptions); our museum is not large, and I am afraid of a)
the
possibility of infestation in the displays and b) the spread of such an
infestation (e.g. carpet beetles) to nearby (though not immediately
adjacent) Collections storage areas.  Clearly, the specimens cannot be
integral to the display, so that they can be removed and quarantined if
necessary.

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