Thank you Emily, I feel the same way.  And on the wages thread which sort of
accompanies your thoughts, just because museums have "always" paid low wages
doesn't mean it's not time for a change.  I just finished my internship (for
credit, not money) and it was basically part-time and a great experience
because I made sure my supervisors knew I wasn't there to photocopy or
catalog. I was there to give them the benefit of my experiences.  I feel like
we both got a great deal out of the internship.  Working 40+ hours per week
pro bono is out of line.

Also in response to some of Adrienne's comments:  What is the deal?  I mean
are you trying to turn this into something like when a grandfather talks to
his grandkids about how he had to walk 15 miles in the snow with only a baked
potato to keep his hands warm...ad nauseum.  I think it's really easy to say
things like "why don't you housesit, find free meals by sneaking into
strangers bar mitzvahs or sleep in the library on a heat grate".  Granted we
all made/make sacrifices while in school as we work toward the goal of a
degree.  But it seems that that degree should ensure that you need to
sacrifice a little less AT LAST!!!

2cents worth, Paula Johnson
Univ. of Washington Museology Grad