Deborah:

I have a B.A. in Hist. Preservation and an M.A. in Folk
Studies and was geared towards museum education myself.
 Through some twists and turns I find myself in
development, and I would suggest that you take the
development job you are now in.

The way I see it, any sort of museum work will require
knowledge and practical skills in fundraising and
development.  Now that I'm a researcher I see all the
things I did wrong previously while working for museums (in
relation to asking for funding).  The is especially
important if you aspire to museum management.  Even if not,
fundraising skills would serve you well as a resume booster
over others and a salary bargaining tool!

Also, development introduces you to many different
organizations out there.  You meet people, see how they
work, hear about projects, etc.- invaluable!  This might
help you hone down what type of museum work you
specifically want to do (or NOT do!).

You will be well served to stay in development for a few
years and then going back to museum work.  And if you like
development and want to stay- then all the better.

Samantha
*********************************************
Samantha Pillar Ellis, Prospect Researcher
    The Library of Virginia Foundation
800 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
[log in to unmask]  ph (804) 692-3813    fax (804) 692-3812

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to
drown too?