Hello,

      I'm on some reenactment lists, and occasionally discussion comes
up about visitors coming through a camp and handling our possessions
and sometimes us without permission.  People (adults as well as
children) will pick up an object or sometimes grab someone's clothing
or even attempt to lift their skirts!  Often reenactors will say that
people know better than to do this in museums, although I know this
is not completely true.

      Why is this?  Is it because we're outdoors, because we don't
have ropes and plexiglass cases as barriers?  Maybe since I'm
touching or using the object the visitor thinks it's ok for them to
do the same?

      When visiting Pompeii, my sister-in-law said everything was
there for touching, something I don't agree with.  It was sad to see
frescoes with the bottom half rubbed away from people touching it.

      Does anyone have comments on this, and suggestions on how to
maintain more control over the visitors while still providing the
experience?

      Thanks!
      -Carol

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