To the list, It was announced today that, starting on Monday, the Columbus Center for Marine Biotechnology Research and Education will close the doors of its public exhibition hall indefinitely for "reorganization." This much heralded informal science learning center was only open for seven months before financial pressure and low attendance led to the current decision. Those of you paying attention to this continuing drama will remember that this will be the second major institution to close in Baltimore this year. The Columbus Center and the Baltimore City Life Museums were both featured in a Museum News last Spring. The article was a glowing report concerning the health of Baltimore Museums and how the Schmoke administration was building our second renaissance around these newer museums. The reports of Baltimore's rebirth have been greatly exaggerated.= That sound that is keeping you up at night are Baltimore museum professionals biting their fingernails. Matthew A. White Director of Education B&O RR Museum 901 W. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21223 (410)752-2461 FAX:(401)752-2499 [log in to unmask]