I received this update on another list and thought it might be of interest to Museum-L readers. Please contact them directly with any questions. Robert Tabak Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies _____________ The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in Utica Mississippi, one of America's most innovative Jewish cultural institutions is expanding its mission under a new name: the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL). Expanding the institution from a center for documenting and collecting the vanishing vestiges of Jewish life in a multi-state area of America's south, the new institute will employ a "circuit-riding Jewish educator, a rabbi, help preserve and maintain cemeteries, secure historic sites, record oral histories, develop a genealogy center, and become a major force in the advocacy for the small and isolated communities." For years MSJE as provided an effective model for how Jewish cultural heritage can be protected and preserved, and also adapted as a vital educational and cultural resource in areas with rich Jewish histories, but relatively little contemporary recognition and clout in the modern Jewish world. Under the guidance of Museum founder Macy Hart, the new Institute is more than likely to continue this leadership role. The Institute will officially kick off with a gala event in New Orleans on September 16, 2000. For more information about the museum and its new mission consult http://www.msje.org. ------------ ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).