It's interesting that this subject is being brought up
now; I just saw a news story on it about two days ago.

In Wisconsin, I've seen a handful of small, plain,
white crosses dotting highways where accidents have
resulted in fatalities.

There was a major car accident, one of the worst in
state history, not too long ago.  Friends and relatives
of the 30+ people killed in the accident were trying to
leave memorials at the site.  The police and Dept. of
Transportation in the state keep removing the memorials
and are trying to discourage people from leaving items.
 The authorities' concern- the friends and relatives
are stopping on a major interstate in the Milwaukee
area where cars are flying past at 65 or 70 miles per
hour. The authorities are concerned that the memorials
will result in more accidents, or fatalities.

As far as leaving memorials in museums, I understand
and agree with the MSI's policy of not allowing the
memorials to remain.  Yes, people need to grieve, and
yes, it was the spot of a terrible accident, but the
museum also needs to look after its own interests and
protect itself, especially since public opinion can be
so important to a museum's success.  I also agree that
it would be a better policy to forward items to the
parents of the girl who died than for the museum to
retain them.  They will need support and comfort.

Also, I doubt the MSI would have the space to collect
and maintain all the items left behind.  What would
they do with everything?  This is also an issue that
the National Museum of American History (I believe
that's the museum) is dealing with in regards to the
Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. If I'm remembering
correctly, they keep all non-perishable items that are
left at the Wall.

Melissa Wraalstad
Special Events Coordinator
Old World Wisconsin
Eagle, WI 53119

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