Dean...I VERY MUCH appreciate your comments to Betty about the
Science Museum of Virgina. We are wrestling with this in several
ways (because we have several problems): (a) Science Museum of
Virginia " " is written into the Code of Virginia AS LAW. If we ask
the lawmakers to tinker with it, we also run the risk of our MISSION
(also law) being rewritten in an unfortunate way.) (b) we operate
two (about to be three) science activity centers (museums) AND we
operate an unusually active program of statewide outreach activities
(A Center for Science Education, disembodied) (c) all the horribles
you raised.
 
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your insightful comments (which we will add
to the total discussion).
W
 
>
> If I were going to move toward a capital campaign, I would not change the
> institution's name BEFORE the campaign.   I believe you run the risk of
> real confusion among supporters, especially among the "friends" for whom
> this might be their first chance to repay a longtime memory, and for current
> knowledgeable and active "friends" who may confuse your mailing and publicity.
>
> I'm not sure that I agree with the premise that the use of "museum" in your
> title dates you.   It should not be the title, but the programs that are the
> emphasis.  The problem with titles is that they mean different things to
> different folks.   In an academic setting the use of the word "Center" usually
> means (a) privately-funded, (b) offers grants/funding for scholars, and (3) is
> not a teaching department.   Most of these assumptions are wrong or vary con-
> siderably, which caused our "Center for West Florida Archaeology" to change
> its name to the "Archaeological Institute" of the University of West Florida.
>
> In short, title words should be chosen carefully.  Does not the phrase
> Science Museum of Virginia convey your purpose, subject, and authority?  Or
> would "The Science Center of Virginia" convey that?   ((you have to think in
> the mindset of the public, not the museum person or scientist)).
>
> Dean DeBolt, University of West Florida
> Special Collections and West Florida Archives
>
 
 
--
Walter R. T. Witschey, Ph.D.
Director, Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Voice: (804) 367-6799,  FAX (804) 367-9348
e-mail [log in to unmask]