For a sense of the wider ethos of museums, collecting, and the function of institutions that preserve the material past, take a look at: American Association of Museums. _Museums for a New Century_. Report of the Commission on Museums for a New Century. Washington, D.C.: American Association of Museums, 1984. In particular, see ch. 2, "Stewards of a Common Wealth." You might also take a look at: Noble, Joseph Veach. "Museum Manifesto." _Museum News_ 48:8 (April 1970):16-20. He explains his view of museums' functions of acquisition, conservation, study, interpretation and display of objects. Finally, the following may help: Weil, Stephan E. _Rethinking the Museum and Other Meditations_. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1990. Leon, Warren and Roy Rosenzweig (eds.). _History Museums in the United States: A Critical Assessment. Chicago: University of Illinois, 1989. The above are full of views relative to your question; I hope you find them useful. Regards, Doug ........................ Doug Lantry University of Delaware [log in to unmask] On Tue, 6 Feb 1996, Karen Senger wrote: > Hello! I am seeking help with research I am doing concerning the > "mission" of museums. I understand each museum has it's own > distinctive reason for being, goals and purposes; but is there an > over-riding purpose for the museum (re. zoo, art museum, natural > history centre, etc)? To preserve and educate is a necessary and > vital function, I agree; but for this research I must play the > "devil's advocate" and agrue the necessity of the museum for both > mankind as well as individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds. > All help and (constructive) opinions are appreciated. Thank you. >