-----Original Message----- From: Herreman [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Sábado, 18 de Octubre de 2003 08:39 p.m. To: 'Geoffrey Lewis' Subject: RE: Definition of a Museum I think that Geoffrey´s definition points out a new approach to defining Museum. I like that. It seems to me it opens new ways to verbalize what a museum is, not only how it looks or what it physically does but what it conveys to society and what role it plays within society. Museums, from my point of view, deal very closely with untangible issues through its exhibited collections and the way they are exhibited. Using Geoffrey´s basic "corps des idées" many societies, if not all, have a "museum".From this main idea a definition could be sought that also includes other features of today´s museums. Did I understand correctly, Geoffrey? -----Original Message----- From: International Council of Museums Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Geoffrey Lewis Sent: Miércoles, 08 de Octubre de 2003 05:07 a.m. To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Definition of a Museum The work of the Ethics Committee and, I guess, in defining membership eligibility in ICOM is far more about the activities constituting a museum rather than a building, institution or organisation that may or may not be a museum. I think therefore we have to be more radical in our approach todefining the term "museum". To use the term as an adjective, however, would be etymologically incorrect. There is, however, good precedent in both English and French for its use in the context of a collection - the reason for these activities. I suggest the following definition, therefore, to develop argument on this basis: Museum: A knowledge base of the tangible and intangible evidence of the cultural and natural inheritance of humanity. Such a collection, normally in the form of objects or specimens, preserves, promotes and presents this heritage for the benefit of society and its development on a non-profit, permanent basis. A museum is also a place, real or virtual, to which the public have access to benefit from such activities. Geoffrey Lewis ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary Edson" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 3:50 PM Subject: Definition of a Museum > Colleagues: > > The following is one of the definition that has been suggested. What > are your thoughts about this idea. Does it adequately describe a > "museum," or is it too broad, too limiting, too inclusive, or too > exclusive? > > > A MUSEUM IS AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES THE PUBLIC BY > INTERPRETING SCIENTIFIC, CULTURAL AND/OR NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH THE > USE OF A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND OFTEN OBJECTS. MUSEUMS THAT HOLD > COLLECTIONS CARE FOR THEM AS A PUBLIC TRUST AND PRESERVE THEM FOR THE > FUTURE. > > Gary Edson > > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > > Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the > archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html > > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html