-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Candace Perry
Sent: Monday, 29 April, 2002 4:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Problems with skateboarders on the museum propertyGreetings list: I truly appreciate what everyone is saying with trying to solve the skateboard problem as diplomatically as possible. However, the kids by and large are surly, impolite, and continue to abuse your property despite warnings. In the town where my museum is located they have destoyed benches, stairways, and other outdoor fixtures. When at last people really started to protest, and wrote to the paper, the kids rallied together (which I guess was a good thing) and posted signs on business doors that said "Don't want us on your property? Build us a skate park!" This was taken as a threat by some, more flurry in the newspaper, etc. etc. Well, now they're getting their skate park. But it really, really makes me angry that these kids could be so rude, throw around so much attitude and end up getting what they want. No apologies to whoever they mistreated, of course. Am I sour grapes? You bet! Have I learned from this? Sure, my kids will never ever treat people this way and get away with it. That's the best I can do! Sorry, needed to vent!Candace PerrySchwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
[Candace Perry] -----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of West-Bey, Jon
Sent: Monday, April 29, 2002 9:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Problems with skateboarders on the museum property========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:Why not communicate with the skaters and find out why they are using your property. You may find that you can reach a compromise with them and turn them into potential supporters. Remember, they are part of your community, and they may have needs that can be met by the services of the museum. Just an idea.
Jon West-Bey
Associate Curator for Collections and Programs
National Museum of American Jewish Military History
-----Original Message-----
From: Merri Pemberton [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, April 29, 2002 9:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Problems with skateboarders on the museum property
I have read some of the stories about the skateboarder problems. I understand that these kids should have a place to skateboard, and that some of the museum employees who wrote about this problem wanted to find a peaceful solution, but shouldn't this problem be handled more firmly, whereas you give fair warning to the skateboarders to not use the museum facilities as a playground, and if you disregard this rule, you will have to face a punishment e.g. pay a fine, parents or children; or do community service), and if that doesn't work, then maybe the authorities should talk to the parents of these children.
A business, especially a museum with some of its artwork outside, must be firm in dealing with these kids, and not have to cater to their every whim - especially when not dealing with the educational purposes of the museum. As a former teacher assistant and teacher, I know for a fact that if us adults don't set boundaries, even to something like skateboarding on the museum's grounds, then they won't learn to respect the museum as a special place of education, not to be used as a stomping ground, or at least not respect it as quickly.
Unfortanately, some of the children -not all of them- may not be getting the discipline and boundaries that they need at home (another close observation of a teacher/assistant teacher), so the rest of the adult society have to sometimes bear the brunt. Well, I must be going.
Sincerely,
MerriThe 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).
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