Listmembers
   I am eager to hear opinions (and not to start a battle) on a recent
development in Richmond, VA.  The city has converted a section of the canal
along the James River into a pedestrian walk way.  One of the city-sponsored
historical agencies used mural-sized images of Richmonders past and present
to decorate the canal corridor.
   After the Robert E. Lee mural was featured in an article on the walk in
the Richmond Times-Dispatch, a city coucilman became outraged and
immediately lobbied for the removal of the mural.  He succeeded.  Lee's
picture was removed citing community sentiment, and it was alluded that it
may be installed at a later date.  Upon hearing this comment, the councilman
replied that the mural would not return "on his watch."
  Lee's photo hung in the area themed "Conflict."  It hung with Chief
Powhatan and Gabriel Prosser, a slave who plan an unexecuted murderous
revolt.
  Why take down Lee and leave Prosser?  Why take down Lee?  Does this
sentiment have reprocussions for the museum community?  I am neither a
Southerner nor am I a Civil War historian.  I have no great affinity for
Lee, or no more than I do for any other historical figure.  After reading
the story, however, I was interested in its effect on the museum profession.
  We are in public institutions (for the most part), but does that mean
censoring certain controversial subject matter?  I am interested in your
responses.  Thanks.

V.B.
Project Archivist




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