Just a note:
A few years ago the Govt of Ontario, Canada put the squeeze on the provincial
budget. Arts organizations and museums were fighting for their existence. One
of the largest, most respected and successful outdoor museums in the province
was under the ministry of agriculture budget. Their budget line was
eliminated. A tapered reduction was negotiated so that the museum and its
great collections could reorganize to be run as a private non profit. The
staff was pulled out to stand around burn barrels in the winter in solidarity
with other govt workers who went on strike. They didn't want to be there - It
wasn't their fight - but they locked out.

End result of a lot of hard work and efforts at community organizing in a
down economy:  the museum closed. the staff released from jobs. the
collections put in storage.  That was several years ago.

It can happen anywhere - and does.

Just some food for thought.

K. Boardman
Cooperstown, NY

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