One approach would be to explain to them exactly what the problem is (when
we say "it will damage the collection" and then there is no apparent damage
we tend to lose credibility).  That is, food and drink can be spilt either
on the objects directly (which can require substantial funds for
conservation and will result in the depreciation of the value of the object)
or on the floor, rugs, etc. and not be completely cleaned up.  This is in
turn attracts insects which will feed on the objects, again damaging them,
again requiring conservation, again depreciating the value of the object.

You might say, if you wish to have a party in this gallery, it will be
necessary to expend money on the following to adequately protect the objects
(which is their -- or the Board of Trustees -- legal obligation)
- protective covering (vitrines, cases, etc) for any object in the gallery
that is not currently protected (like paintings); also new mounts may need
to be built to protect from vibration from dancing or loud music
- immediate removal of all food debris by hiring an appropriate number of
cleaners to be brought in as soon as the party is over, as well as members
of the collections care staff to supervise them (with overtime, comp time
and other salary expenses as required)

If it is then worth the amount of money it will cost to appropriately
protect the objects from the risk of damage in these ways, then go ahead and
have the party.

You could also point out to them that the "Downtown Chicago Museums" have
half a dozen or so staff members whose only job is to oversee special events
and that if they will hire that many people to work at your museum on
special events only that you will also be happy to cooperate.
(This is for those Board members who don't remember that with only two
permanent staff one of us has to be in the museum whenever it is open and
that staying for a party is in addition to working more than 40 hours a week
during public hours.)

Good luck.

janice

Janice Klein
Director, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Kendall College
[log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From: English, Susan <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 11:50 AM
Subject: EATING AND DRINKING IN THE GALLERIES


>My Gala Ball committee doesn't understand why I do not want to permit
eating
>and drinking in the permanent and temporary galleries of our new museum
>opening this Fall.  I have told them that this is against museum standard
>practice and that if we allowed it, may hurt our chances for accreditation,
>Smithsonian affiliateship, and traveling exhibitions.  Their response to me
>is that if The Downtown Chicago Museums can do it, why can't we?
>
>Does anybody have any other suggestions as to how I can convince them that
>this is not the route to go.
>
>Susan English
>Joliet Area Historical Museum

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . 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).