I am a senior American Studies Major at Georgetown University in the beginning stages of a thesis. My topic area is still slightly vague, but I hope to examine the American Public's relationship with history museums: why do we go to museums, why do we think museums are useful/educational/enjoyable (or on the contrary why don't we think that), what do we think the underlying purpose of a history museum (particularly an American History museum) is? As I said, I haven't narrowed the topic down very much yet, but I was hoping to get some feedback from this list. Can anyone point me towards studies, books, articles that might point me in a particular direction? You can reply to the list or directly to me at the email address listed below. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. ******************************************************************************** Thomas Akana American Studies Department Intern Georgetown University (202)687-6193 FAX:(202)687-7245 e-mail: [log in to unmask]