I would like to add a little more about what a prop is at our museum. Often we are given, purchase, acquire through trade, etc. several examples of the same artifact, whether that be a buggy, a fork, a camera (same model, etc.), whatever. (This might include an artifact that matches one already in our collection. So this donation event is not restricted temporally.) If given this opportunity we will choose the best one, condition-wise, for the permanent collection and the other for the prop/education/study collection. Often times we will actually choose 2 or 3 of the best for the permanent collections and the other for the prop. Needless to say, we cannot possibly store and care for properly every single item that comes through our door that is an original (Trusteeship responsibilities). Then as regards the prop item, we tell docents, visitors, other staff, etc. that everyone learns in different ways. By touch, reading, sight, olfactory, etc. As a museum whose mission includes preservation, interpretation, AND Education we must keep this in mind. If we do not use props (Hands on items) we would be falling short of those that can learn easier by touch or closer up scrutiny of an item, thus falling short of our potential Education and interpretation goals. Granted these prop items are expected to be used up (destroyed, deteriorate, etc.) eventually, we have taken every step possible with contingency plans as well (the other 2 examples kept) to ensure that a representative example is still being preserved. This can be applied to non-material history as well. When an oral history is done, an archive copy that is not accessible to the general public is kept of the audio, video, if applicable, and transcript in addition to the multiple copies that are used as Prop items for the public to access. Hope that all made sense! Steven Stewart Chief Curator Customs House Museum and Cultural Center ========================================================= 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).