Indianapolis Art Center <[log in to unmask]> writes:
>
> We've seen Bob wrestle with bits of Shaker furniture,
>>run his hands over period pieces, --

I've been known to (gently) reprimand a visitor or two for touching
things, and tried to patiently explain why....

But with the emotions that have been evident in this thread of
discussion, I wonder if we have become a bit overzealous in our
admonishments toward Bob Villa et al for handling those artifacts
that were originally made to be used.  It is a natural response
for those who are not in the museum "know."

As a "protector" of Shaker things and history, I personally cringe at
all the Shaker material culture that has been hoarded by private
collectors, who might nbot be taking theh appropriate "care" of these
objects.  Should we then blast all private collectors of art and
historical objects, because we know they touch them!  ANd is the
patina left from the caresses of 20th century hands any less/more
"authentic" than that from an earlier period.?  I think not.  It
becomes part of the object.  ANd heaven forbid, the Shakers still use
things made by the Shakers!  The hardest thing I ever did was to sit
in a chair while I was visiting the Shakers in Maine, a chair that
would have been on exhibit (and therefore off limits to bottoms!) at
our museum.

Our role is education, not condescension.  And I think we might be
more successful in meeting our goals if we treat our public with more
respect.  You get what you give.

ONe idea we have tried at our museum is during the orientation that
all visitors receive, let them know that if there is an artifact that
they simply must see better, please let us know and we will come with
them, and provide gloves for both of us to use.  We hope this lets our
visitors know that we want them to learn more on their personal level,
but that there are limitations to access.  Sometimes this approach
even works!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sharon Duane Koomler
Director of Education
Shaker Museum at South Union, KY
(502) 542-7734
e-mail [log in to unmask]

"The attainments of tomorrow are dependent on the efforts of today,
and are related to them as the blossom is to the bud,
and the fruit to the blossom."

                                  Eldress Catherine Allen, Mt. Lebanon