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| Closure of Nevada State RR Museum https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=30306 |
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| Author: | Todd Moore [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 3:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Closure of Nevada State RR Museum |
The new state budget for Nevada has been proposed. It is devastating to the Nevada State Museum system. Of the 7 Nevada State Museums, it has now been proposed that 4 of these museums be closed. Among those slated to be shut down is the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. As all of you know, the NSRM has been one of the great leaders in historic railroad preservation. It has put back into operation the Virginia & Truckee locomotives #22 the Inyo, #25, as well as others, and is currently working on restoring the Glenbrook to operation. The restoration shop has also restored many cars to their original glory, including most recently the only operational McKeen motor car. Their work has been second to none. There is no question that Nevada has faced a budget crisis, as have many other states. However, the entire budget for the division of museums and history is only 3/10s of 1% of the entire budget. In the last fiscal go round the museums were cut more than 40%. That was far more than most other state agencies here. That it is now proposed to cut them back to the point of closure is unforgivable. Many citizens have donated generously to the Museum system with artifacts, donations, foundational support, work and the expectation that our history would be preserved in a safe enviroment and made accessable to the public. After all it is not just Nevada's history, but also that of the far West and the United States. To now close these museums which are such a small part of the overall budget picture would be a betrayal of the public trust that our history would be preserved and available for research, education, display, and posterity. The Nevada Legislature will go into session this January. Nevada will also have a new Governor. However, that is only two months away. If the museum system is to continue, it will need a groundswell of public support not just from Nevadans but from people all over the country. While no one of the museums is more important than another, the NSRM in Carson City has a particularly special place in our hearts. If you are interested in helping in the effort to keep the NSRM and other museums open, the Nevada Legislature will have to know that YOU care. When I think of all the useless things governments throw money away on, I find it hard to fathom that something so visible as the NSRM and the others will be taking such a hit. If any are willing to support the efforts to prevent this catastrophy from happening we will need your support. The incoming administration needs to know that it is not just Nevadans that use its museums system, but that people from elsewhere use it, enjoy it and learn from the historical treasures collected, and that it contributes to the overall education and economy. We will post later where you can send letters of support. Also, many of you post on other boards and know many people who can help. If we can get the word out, maybe this can be prevented. In the meantime, please send me (tmoore@hahnlawyers.com) your e-mail so that we can contact you about how you can help. We will be mobilizing very soon and your voice and support are vitally needed. Todd Moore for Dan Markoff |
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| Author: | Ed Kapuscinski [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Closure of Nevada State RR Museum |
But they're easy political points to score. "Look at all these wasteful programs we ended." It plays a lot better to close 40 cheap programs than 1 expensive one, because, in headlines, soundbites and bumper stickers, 40 is bigger than 1. |
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| Author: | Mgoldman [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 7:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Closure of Nevada State RR Museum |
A very well written plea - look forward to your follow up and assisting in any way possible. History is not something that should be considered expendable. Shame on them for being so narrow minded as to eliminate such a state treasure. They likely see it as "choo choo's" rather then history and identity of the West, of which Nevada is a part of. Not to mention the lost tourist dollars. /Mitch |
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| Author: | Brian Norden [ Sat Oct 23, 2010 12:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Closure of Nevada State RR Museum |
Some more information was posted on the Narrow Gauge Railroad Discussion Forum. Nevada State Railroad Museum crisis The poster is Dan Markoff who is the owner of the 1875 3'-gauge 4-4-0 EUREKA. Dan is urging the reader's there to prepare for a letter writing campaign to the legislature in aid of the museums. He writes in part: Quote: There is no question that Nevada has faced a budget crisis, as have many other states. However, the entire budget for the division of museums and history is only 3/10s of 1% of the entire budget. In the last fiscal go round the museums were cut more than 40%. That was far more than most other state agencies here. That it is now proposed to cut them back to the point of closure is unforgivable. The last I knew Dan is also on the State of Nevada's Board of Museums and History which has some oversight function over the various State Museums and the State Historical Society.
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| Author: | Brian Norden [ Sun Oct 24, 2010 6:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Closure of Nevada State RR Museum |
Dan Markoff has added another post to the thread over on the Narrow Gauge Railroad Discussion Forum: http://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/read.php?1,171808,171985#msg-171985 He says that once the elections are held he will be providing contact information for letter writing. He has a very worthwhile commentary within the post: Quote: My concern for the NSRM goes beyond Nevada. There are many other museums around the country that are State owned and supported. The California State Railroad Museum comes to mind as does the Cumbres & Toltec. The C&TS is run by a private corporation, but the railroad is most definitely ownded by Colorado and New Mexico. Besides owning the EUREKA Dan is a lawyer by training and is on Nevada's Board of Museums and History.
The problems is, that the States are financially hurting. As a result, any of them can shut down whatever operations they have at any time. That it has been proposed in Nevada first to the NSRM does not mean it cannot happen to the C&TS or the CSRM. So, the moral of the story is: If you think it cannot happen in your area, you are wrong. It can. The various states have squandered enormouus resources on worthless projects. Museums, as educational and as worthwhile as they are to the general public are easy targets. |
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