Danna Freedy should not have had to explain to
anyone that the Cantor Foundation's posting was for a museum opening paying
"in the low 20s." Anyone who's followed the sporadic bursts of
concern on this list about (1) NO job openings and (2) low entry salaries should
understand that getting the foot in the door should be Priority A for someone
wanting to get in the museum field.
Yes, everyone is exactly right to lament the
relatively low compensation available to so many museum professionals -- with or
without advanced degrees. It will take an aggressive and collective effort
by the museums themselves -- perhaps through the AAM -- to change the level at
which America values our work.
I think their communities give high priority to the museums
and similar institutions out in the hinterlands. These places
"belong" to the people -- they often stand alone in the smaller cities
and rural areas as uplifting places. Not so many prospective museum
professionals are willing to work away from the major metropolitan areas,
however. They are missing out on extraordinary opportunities, in my
view.
Ross Weeks Jr.
Tazewell VA