Is there any information yet on who purchased the Mississippi?

-Philip Marshall

I've been searching for this all over the internet... anyone have any clues?

I visited the Museum on my way through Chicago right before the auction. Honestly the museum is in such an identity crisis. They have some truly world class exhibits but they seem to want to be a childrens museum. The "newer' exhibits seem extremely dumbed down to me. The U-boat, the trains and other vehicles, and the science wing were all truly fascinating to all ages.

I'm glad the B&O was able to get the York.

Greetings:
With all due respect to MSI, Crescent Zephry's comment in re-identity isn't anything new.
In 1993 when I did the restoration of the 999, I spoke with several staff members (trained museum professionals) who dispaired over many of the decisions regarding the collection, how it was cared for and how it was displayed.
But, as they say: "twas ever thus". From its' earliest days, MSI has been part trade show, part entertainment venue with enough history thrown in to give itself the right to call itself a museum.
That said, in my opinion, MSI is vastly improved over 1994. The Pioneer Zephyr display, although hokey in places is quite well done and received enthusiastically by visitors, the juxtaposition of 999 and the Boeing 727 is inspired and the "submarine pen" with the U-505 makes me tingle...
J.David

So who is at the top making these decisions at MSI?

Almost all of the staff at the Center spoke to everyone in a "Camp Counselor" tone. And they seemed to know only the basic presentation information. It's not about the pay scale, I'm certain the excellent presenters at the Henry Ford are not paid any more. It's about training, and choosing the right people for the job.

MSI has so much to offer, it seems a crime that such decision are being made to open up Mirror Mazes and sell off historic pieces of equipment.

It's also about the goal of the museum. Like many other museums and zoos, they have chosen to target kids as the primary audience. Why is that? Well, today's adults are far more likely to go to Wikipedia or watch a show on the fancy HDTV than they are to go the museum. Want to know what a dinosaur looked like? Surely something on PBS will tell you, without the hassle of leaving your couch.

So they've chosen to target kids. Viewed from that aspect, "camp counselor" tone works just fine, as does having things geared to be "fun".

Apparently many of you have missed the whole "Edutainment" trend?

That's what I'm asking though... who has made the goal of the museum to target kids?
I think it is quite flawed for a museum of their caliber of collection.

I know I'm not the only adult who enjoys visiting museums.
The Smithsonian and Henry Ford Museums are certainly not dumbed down for kids (Though both offer things for kids) and yet their attendance is not declining.

"Edutainment" should not be dumbing things down.

Preceding the fall of the Roman Empire:

(from Wikipedia [facts by consensus])

Bread and Circuses...

This phrase originates from Rome in Satire X of the Roman satirical poet Juvenal (circa A.D. 100). In context, the Latin panem et circenses (bread and circuses) identifies the only remaining cares of a Roman populace which no longer cares for its historical birthright of political involvement. Here Juvenal displays his contempt for the declining heroism of contemporary Romans.[5] Roman politicians passed laws in 140 B.C. to keep the votes of poorer citizens, by introducing a grain dole: giving out cheap food and entertainment, "bread and circuses", became the most effective way to rise to power.

Money.

No point in assuming it is nefarious or sinister. Perhaps they simply are reacting to a loss of their traditional market as it ages out, and trying to fill a gap that will also pay dividends in the future - if you can get kids interested in visiting museums, you create a long term customer. Appeal to my generation all you want, and it will get less worthwhile every year.

Bread and circuses are pretty much what just happened in Iowa. Proactive projecting of a need to shift your mission is not - we should all take a look at who we are reaching, and who we are going to need to reach, and how to better reach them. And, given the interesting subject we interpret, it is only our incompetence in scripting that prevents us from making education entertaining.

FYI, the York debuts at the B&O museum on Feb 27th:

http://www.borail.org/Calendar-bo.aspx

Bob

Over the years you have written some very insightful comments, Dave. This one may be your best. There's not much else to say. You have written the provocation.

Rob

"Adapt or Die."

[quote="robertjohndavisOver the years you have written some very insightful comments, Dave. This one may be your best. There's not much else to say. You have written the provocation.

Rob[/quote]

Thanks Rob. Over even more years I have gotten so sick of watching us stand in our own ways, involved in two such battles right now...... why should you have to fight people to make them want to do what is going to create greater success and prosperity?

If you're comfortable with the way things are you are part of the problem. Going back under rock now.

If you're comfortable with the way things are you are part of the problem. Going back under rock now.[/quote]

I'm not sure I understand... On the surface, I think I disagree with you highly. Expanding the offerings is one thing, changing the entire course of a museum is something else entirely.

If a Museum or Railroad is providing a quality experience in line with their mission, why not be comfortable? I should hope those leading the Illinois Railway Museum are comfortable, and do not feel a need to drastically change their operation. Likewise for Strasburg, the Henry Ford, and the list could go on.

I'm only peripherally aware of what IRM is up to, and most of that is probably not true, so no comment there - Henry Ford has chosen to change and Strasburg has been extremely proactive in constant innovation in their programming over the past several years.

It's not about what is working now - it's about what is going to stop working next year or in 5 years or in 10 years and starting to work towards changing that now.