Dear Museum Lers: The museum I work for has an opportunity to purchase a historic vehicle that we intend to convert into a "traveling artifact program." Before I describe our potential purchase, I would like to pose the questions I have for the list: Does anyone out there have a traveling program they use for programs/outreach in which they utilize a vehicle? Is anyone out there using an "historic" vehicle foroutreach? What are some of the benefits of using a vehicle for museum programs/outreach outside the museum? Problems? If you are utilizing a vehicle for outreach, how are you storing that vehicle when not in use? Aside from insurance, maintenance, and fuel, what are some other costs involved in your traveling program? The reason I am asking these questions is that the Reno County Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas has been offered an "Ultra Van" for a reasonable price from a very reputable van owner. Ultra Vans were constructed in Hutchinson between 1966-1970 after being designed by a fellow in California in 1959. What makes the Ultra Van Unique is that it is built using an aluminum frame--not a steel chassis. It also employs a corvair engine (designed circa 1960) so it more resembles an airplane construction than an automobile. What attracted the company to Hutchinson was that our city once had a naval air station, thus there was an easily convertible manufacturing area and a population familiar with aircraft/aircraft engines (nearby Wichita is the headquarters for Boeing.) The Ultra Van was touted to be the top of the line recreational vehicle in its day. It was nicknamed tthe "Whale on Wheels" for its unique design. The company, unfortunately, did not make a profit (for too many reasons to go into here) and the design wasvastly altered by 1970. The company left Hutchinson in 1974 and is now defunct. The van we would like to purchase will not fit into our museum for permanent exhibition (we are housed in a converted insurance building and could not even get the van into our doors.) However, we do have storage that is readily avilable and easily accessed by staff. We want to make some minor modifications to the interior of the vehicle for use as a traveling program that we could use for schools, community events, parades, outreach to nearby communities, etc. In this program we would like to interpret technology, business, design, the relationship between aircraft & vehicles, why the van was built localy, etc. The interpretive possibilities are tremendous. Some other points to consider: The van is in good condition, needs only minor repair, parts are readily available, and there is a support network already in place. The Ultra Van Motor Coach Club boasts more than 300 members and produces a quarterly newsletter. Each yea they hold a rally and typically more than 100 members participate. So, with all this in mind, would you please take a moment to answer my questions from the beginning of the post. Thank you very much for your help. Please reply off list to <[log in to unmask]>. Jay Smith, Executive Director Reno County Museum Hutchinson, Kansas