Museums, I believe, are perceived as quite valuable in their communities
(except when they veer off into dinosaurs and sensationalist art to attract
audiences).  In addition, those who are true "professionals" in these
institutions often command a good deal of respect in their communities, and
are regarded as assets for the quality and credibility they exemplify.

Is there a "museum profession?"  Probably not, in the accepted sense of that
word.  We employ historians, archaeologists, artists, scientists, etc. etc.
Reputable specialists in our museums, if they interact with their
communities, are respected for their expertise.  Their compensation probably
does not reflect their value, unless they serve government museums.

As Lori writes, government employees -- including those who work in
government museums -- can count on a salary schedule that has annual step
increases, and usually periodic cost of living increases.  Non-profit
museums generally have no way to guarantee such a compensation plan.  They
do not have the authority to tax.  They do not receive more income just
because the economy is thriving.  Philanthropy is fickle, and there are far
too many museums after large gifts from the same sources.

We compete with one another unmercifully for whatever funding is available.
New museums are created every week, it seems, in these United States.  We
collaborate and network and mentor one another.  We need to establish more
consortia of museums, as the private colleges have, to attract private
philanthropy for us all.
Ross Weeks Jr.
Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
Tazewell, Va.
http://histcrab.netscope.net

Dear T W, et al
Your are right.  Our profession is not perceived as valuable.  This is an
issue I have struggled with many times and one that has taken me my entire
adult life to learn not to take personally.  Please forgive the verbosity
and read on:

I am reminded of when my engineer boyfriend (now husband) came home from
work 1 year after graduation and was very mad and upset that he had received
"only a 1% raise".  I looked at the pay stub, did some quick math and
contradicted that he had, in fact, received a 5 % raise.  He replied that
there was a 4% cost of living increase that year and "since everyone gets a
cost of living raise, he had, in reality, only received a 1% raise".  I
began laughing uncontrollably.  When I was finally able to stop laughing, I
made fun of him for being a "spoiled little 'rich' kid raised by two career
government employees who thought that somebody owed them something because
of inflation".  He was shocked at my contempt.  It was at that point I
explained the "real world" to him.  He has since been well-inducted.
<snip-snip>
Lori Allen,
Graduate Student, UMSL

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