In reply to Vicki Sopher: I'd like to speak with you. What is your telephone number? I can be reached at (314)621-7705. Your help would be welcomed. Robin Le Van Missouri Humanities Council -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of vicki e sopher Sent: Thursday, April 01, 1999 4:43 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Historic House Souvenir Booklets Hi ! I am interested in commenting on historic house museums, their genesis, fiscal support and longevity in the community. I would be pleased to be interviewed on this subject as my life's career is in this field. I spent a bit of time in the late 80's and early 90's in consciousness raising for house museums and worked with the AAM and historic house museum staff affiliated with AAM to establish the Professional Interest Council for Historic Houses. This was done in the hope that the issues and concerns of historic houses would receive a national sounding board and that more resources would be available to house museums. These museums have so much to offer in defining our culture on an intimate level-- the places where people live. House museums have the same problems troubles as larger museums except that the staff is smaller and the budget is smaller. However, the problems only get bigger if they cannot be addressed because of deficiencies. So many of the problems suffered at house museums could be allieviated if more time was spent preparing board members in their service to these institutions. If this need to educate and train board members were to become a major point of discussion within the museum community, much of the time wasted in petty issues and misunderstanding could be saved. Museums boards need to bring on individuals who have a proven understanding of their responsibilities and a committment to the insitition. Vicki