The Museum of New Mexico, Office of Statewide Programs and Education has a 42 ft. RV that is fitted out with exhibition space, collection drawers, a hands on work area, a library, video monitor, two computers with internet access and an outdoor workspace under an awning. The Van of Enchantment works cooperatively with community members to produce education programs that combine museum and local resources. Because each program is tailored to the interests of the community, we have no permanent exhibitions except for those installed on our computers. Van programs draw primarily on the resources of the units of the Museum of New Mexico -- the 5 state monuments and the 4 museums of MNM, the Palace of the Governors (state history), the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. Additionally, we collaborate with the other divisions under the Office of Cultural Affairs -- the State Library, NM Arts, Historic Preservation, and other state museums. Usually at least 3 state organizations are represented in a program. The Van averages 3 trips a month. It has been operating for 14 months with great success, based on the communities' responses and the crossovers of museum staff who were originally opposed to the idea because it was anticipated to be competition for scarce funds. I find the great advantage of mobile museums to be that almost everyone has a good feeling and curiosity about vehicles, while many have negative ideas about the time and place for museums in their lives. The Van reinforces citizen ownership of the state museums and their collections. Communities are always excited and honored to have the Van in their towns. It is a vital agent in a state where some cultures have perceived museums as appropriators of spiritual and material culture. Marcia deChadenedes Van of Enchantment Program Coordinator Museum of New Mexico ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ museum-l.html. You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).