(also known as the San Diego Railroad Museum)

There have been many comments on this discussion board regarding both our museum and the general idea of what a railroad museum board should be and do.

I guess I have a lot of experience in this regard. I am indeed planning to write a paper on our situation in hopes to avoid another museum from falling into the same problem area. However, we still have an ongoing election to replace the thrown out board, which could be followed with a museum to run if the members choose me to be on the board. So, said paper might be a few months in coming.

Let me finish this thread by saying that any museum should look very hard at going away from what is working for them. For most museum's, the volunteer members donated time is the most valuable assest they have. To replace it, you need to raise $250,000 over and above what you currently do for an office with 2-3 paid help - including insurance, office space, pay checks, telephones, copy machines ..... So - it that really possible where you are? Further, are our members willing to continue their donation of time and talent for a group being run by outsiders??????????

For those of you needing the short answer - stick with a 100% elected board made up of museum members - I bet you already have business owners, CPA's, attorney's, etc within your membership. In fact, they might be sanding your exhibit right beside you right now!

Much more later.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Jim:
I couldn't agree more!
Good luck to ya, hang in there.

lamontdc@adelphia.net