Yes, John, a lot of open air and living history museums do active historical
processes using replicas, reproductions and some designated orginal materials
which are not "museum quality" and not "accessioned" into the study and
exhibit collections. There is a new committee of ALHFAM (Association for
Living History, Farms and Museums) which is interested in curatorial concerns.
There is also a published replica resource guide. Check the web page for
ALHFAM for more information.  www.alhfam.org

There is also a listing of articles in the Proceedings from the annual ALHFAM
conference. Some of the articles address your questions.

Most museums of this type budget each year for cyclical replacement of
replicas and construction or acquisition of new materials. It all depends on
the level of use, design of the program, commitment to active presentations
and feasible budget.

Katie Boardman