Hey everyone!! I would like some imput on a potential problem we may be
facing at our museum. I am the assistant curator of collections at the
National Firearms Museum and as our name would suggest, we have guns. Next
week, a VIP will be coming to the museum to be interviewed as part of an oral
history project. In the 1980's he donated his Pan American Games medal and
the gun he used to not only break the world record but hold it until even
today. Now in his 60's, the VIP is a shooting coach. It has been suggested by
non-museum staff that he fire the gun he donated to us into a target and the
target be saved as archival documentation of the whole event. I think this is
a unique situation, but maybe it is not. It somewhat reminds me of the
problem with "feeding" Zuni masks in the Smithsonian's collection. Any
thoughts? I have not responded to the request yet in hopes it will be
forgotten, but I am inclined to say no.  What say ye all?

- Adrienne