Having done the same thing, in NY, I can only relate my own experience.
Unless you are very qualified, with a lot of experience sending cold letters
is not very useful.  It is better to send them to a specific department,
however in some instances, especially larger institutions, you will have to
deal with their human resources depts.  It would be better to do some
research into the institution you are interested in and to learn the name of
the person who heads that dept.  Then put out a specific inquiry on Museum-L
and try to get an introduction to that person.  I have found that contacts
really help.  Best of luck.

Evan Riter

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