Specifically, to Peter Rebernik, but also for discussion

The stated purpose of the National Park Service Museums states "primary responsibilities, common to all museums, consist of the collection, preservation, study and interpretation of objects in perpetuity."

Peter, if exhibiting objects leads to their destruction or harm, you're violating the public trust.  Where do you work?  I'll be sure not to donate my photographs or grandmother's wedding dress.


-----Original Message-----
From:   Peter Rebernik [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Wednesday, January 20, 1999 2:08 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: Introduction and Inquiry

I always thought that the reason for museums to exist, is to show the
originals! And NOT replicas!
Maybe we should call those replica museums: THE FAKE MUSEUM, to get it clear
to the public.
The originals belong to the public and not to the museum director! It is
his/her duty to protect the original, but to show it, for God's sake!

I am not amused!

Peter Rebernik

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-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: Full Name <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
An: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Datum: Mittwoch, 20. Januar 1999 04:56
Betreff: Re: Introduction and Inquiry


>Yes, John, a lot of open air and living history museums do active
historical
>processes using replicas, reproductions and some designated orginal
materials
>which are not "museum quality" and not "accessioned" into the study and
>exhibit collections. There is a new committee of ALHFAM (Association for
>Living History, Farms and Museums) which is interested in curatorial
concerns.
>There is also a published replica resource guide. Check the web page for
>ALHFAM for more information.  www.alhfam.org
>
>There is also a listing of articles in the Proceedings from the annual
ALHFAM
>conference. Some of the articles address your questions.
>
>Most museums of this type budget each year for cyclical replacement of
>replicas and construction or acquisition of new materials. It all depends
on
>the level of use, design of the program, commitment to active presentations
>and feasible budget.
>
>Katie Boardman