But the difference is the NMAH collects (or displays) the artifacts from the
Vietnam Memorial as part of an exhibit that shows how the nation is
memorializing the war and its victims. It's connected to their mission and
operations.
Whereas, why would MOSI preserve the memorials left at their museum for an
accidental death on the premises? I doubt it is part of their collections
management policy nor is it in line with their mission. What future
institutional use would they have-- a "don't do this" exhibit? A museum
can't keep everything that comes across their threshold.

Pamela

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Melissa Wraalstad [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2003 1:32 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Roadside Memorials
>
>
> 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
>
> On Wisconsin!  Get your free University of Wisconsin alumni
> e-mail at http://uwalumni.com
>
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