Kendra,

 

While I think it’s somewhat presumptuous on the board member’s part – usually serving on a board is considered public service – I’m not sure it’s too big a deal.  If this is a temporary sign, why not give the staff credit and your board member, too?  After all, the contractors were also paid labor, just doing their jobs.  This is an easy way to acknowledge the work that everyone put in without making a huge deal out of it.  Often it’s just the curators that get acknowledged, so this a great chance for everyone to get some credit.  It gives you a chance to look appreciative.

 

Greg

 

Gregory A. Jackson, CA

Archivist, Bryn Athyn Historic District

Glencairn Museum

www.glencairnmuseum.org

267.502.2421

 

 

 

Listers,

A question has come up here regarding giving a board member credit for an exhibit.  We recently installed a new ‘permanent’ exhibit (a gas station, specifically) and included is a sign thanking all those who helped in the restoration—contractors, volunteers, and those who donated items to display in the building interior.  I did not list staff members who worked on the restoration because they’re staff members and completed the work as part of their job, not because they volunteered time and/or money to the project. 

 

Now, a board member is complaining that he is not listed on the thank-you for his efforts in getting the building here.  I feel he is in the same boat as staff members.  He is a member of the exhibits committee and set up the meeting with the previous owner of the gas station.  He did not persuade the previous owner to donate it or even lower the sales price, he did not donate the monies to have the building hauled to our location, etc.  He did not, if I’m being perfectly frank, even donate an afternoon to help paint or do any of the ‘grunt work.’  I feel that he acted within his scope as a board member and therefore does not get thanked specifically by name in any signage.  Am I incorrect in this thinking?  Does anybody here have policies (unofficial or otherwise) about thanking board members in exhibit signage?

 

 

Kendra Cook

Curator

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

85 South Walnut Street

Boyertown, PA 19512

(610)367-2090

www.boyertownmuseum.org

 

 

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