The answer to your question depends entirely on your internal policies regarding use of collection artifacts and the type of artifact in particular.  There is, of course, the age-old thought that accessioned artifacts should never be used in any manner.  But there are those people who advocate the occasional or scheduled use of certain types of artifacts in order to keep them in working order.  You should consult your Collection Management Policy first and then try to balance policy, practicality, and preservation.  No easy task.  But, if you work in a museum, then your first obligation is toward preservation; everything else should follow from that premise.

Jeff Tenuth
Science and Technology Collection Manager
Indiana State Museum

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Robin Gabriel
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 12:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] piano playing

What is the current thought on best practices for using (or not using) a collection item grand piano for a public performance? The piano is in great shape (other than being out of tune).
Thanks,
Robin

------
Robin Gabriel


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