In a message dated 98-04-08 12:32:32 EDT, [log in to unmask] writes:

>   I was wondering what everyone thought was the single most important
>  goal of museums: to educate, to preserve objects, or to have great
>  displays?

I'd say the single most important goal is to stay in business. Not meaning to
sound cynical, but if you don't bring in $, you cannot do any of the things
above. In our small historical house museum, we need to bring the people in to
get the $ to pay for exhibits, education programs and
conservation/maintenance. We can no longer afford to be intellectuals
practicing our art/trade/whatever in a vacuum. As Curator, every exhibit I
think of, every chance I get must be about bringing in the people, and making
$ so I can buy Hollinger boxes, pay the LoC for using their photographs in an
exhibit, etc.

- Adrienne