<P>Improving the appearance of our displays is one opportunity to introduce professionalism within the rail preservation industry. The displays created years or perhaps decades ago need a fresh look. Additionally, new exhibits are periodically needed to avoid the public's perception of a stale museum environment. <p>Unfortunately not every organization can afford the required resources, ie. curator, designer, materials, time etc to transform a simple display into an outstanding interpretive exhibit; however, Erik's suggestion of a "Steamtown affiliate" program may provide a reasonable opportunity to "raise the bar" in this area of display presentation.<p> Can anyone enlighten us on the participation requirements and costs of Smithsonian affiliate program? Any thoughts on how a similar program can be enacted within the rail preservation community? <br><br>




ken.middlebrook@nsc.com

<P>You can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Smithsonian Affiliations program at the link provided.<p>There is no question that that there's a place for railroad museums in this program; the B&O Museum has already received this status and is enjoying the fruits in the form of artifact loans for its new exhibit, "Icons of American Railroading: The First 50 Years"<p><br>




Smithsonian Affiliations
eledbetter@rypn.org