On Mon, 23 Feb 1998 08:44:09 -0600, you wrote:

>Why perserve it if there are no visitors?
>
>
>On Fri, 20 Feb 1998, Andrew S. Richmond-The Papers of Philander Chase wrote:
>
>> I would argue that the primary reason for museums and similar institutions to
>> exist is to *preserve* its holdings.  If something is not preserved, it cannot
>> be exhibited or studied.
>>

        It is becoming evident  that this thread can be retitled
"Which came first, the visitor or the exhibit"   Obviously both are
important and you really can't have one without the other.