Dear Ingrid Tadich, let me add my votes also for the Indianapolis
Children's Museum (about which a "creation story" has been published,
_Keep an Eye on that Mummy_; your director might want to read that
beforehand) and the children's museum within the Canadian Museum of
Civilization (which has a number of publications of considerable
importance, including their basic _Museum for the Global Village_; though
on the whole museum and not just the children's program, this would also
be well worth reading before the visit).
But it might help all of us in giving you suggestions if we knew a bit
more about the way in which your director wants to use the information.
For instance there are a number of general museums which include exhibits
and, especially, educational programs for children, which might prove
equally valuable, if the director wants to learn of possible additions to
your existing offerings. Also there are a number of science museums or
science and technology centers which have wonderful exhibits, programs and
training for many age groups including children. And finally there are
specific other kinds of museums, such as aquaria or planetaria, also
worth visiting.
So if you can say a bit more about the _purpose(s)_ of the director's
looking-in, list members may be able to make additional useful suggestions.
I'd say the same (as did one other list commentator--"tell us a bit more")
about your inquiry concerning research centers. Some museums are
actually tails on the research dog--for instance, the Smithsonian
Institution began as a research institution (and remains so today) but
has grown into an enormous museum complex as well. A great many museums
have some sort of college or university connection, often including
significant research and information distribution.
If you can pin down some of the more specific points, I (and others, I'm
sure) will gladly send further suggestions.
John N. Pearce
Director, Center for Historic Preservation
(and James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library)
Mary Washington College
1301 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5358
USA
voice/voicemail: 703 654-1311
fax: 703 654-1068
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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