Smithsonian in decline
This is shameful.
Smithsonian officials estimate that it will take a total of $2.3 billion over the next nine years to solve the most pressing problems. The Board of Regents, the institution's governing body, has considered charging entrance fees to compensate for the budget shortfall. Since it was established in 1846, the Smithsonian has never charged for admission, and Sheila P. Burke, the institution's deputy secretary and chief operating officer, said that so far the recommendation had been voted down.
"These are the nation's treasures," she said. "Ultimately we feel protecting them is a federal responsibility."
Private donations have increased over the last decade, officials said. But donors tend to direct money toward exhibitions and programs or, in the case of major contributors, special projects that can be named for them. In September 2000, Kenneth E. Behring, a California developer and philanthropist, gave $80 million to the National Museum of American History, which now has "Behring Center" attached to its name. But the money was primarily earmarked for the design of major new exhibition areas, including a hall devoted to military history that opened last year. "It is difficult to raise money for plaster and plumbing," Ms. Burke said.
. . .
Still, while Congress and Smithsonian officials debate who is responsible for what, some treasures have been lost for good. Among them is the collection of snapping lids and tools developed in the 1940's by Earl Tupper as the earliest prototypes of the now ubiquitous Tupperware.
Attentive to leaks and humidity from an old steam heating system, curators in the Museum of American History, where the items were housed in a collection room, kept the treasured bits of Americana in a glass case covered with two layers of plastic sheeting. During the waiting period for financing and management restructuring after the 2001 government review, a rusty pipe ruptured, blasting the case with an acidic burst of water that penetrated the sheeting and glass.
"It was the most catastrophic leak we have ever had," said Steven Turner, a physical sciences curator at the museum. "The samples deformed, just kind of curled up. A plastic handle looked like it just exploded. We go to great efforts to protect things. These things are part of the national heritage. But it just wasn't enough. It was really traumatic."
A portion of the heating system was finally replaced early this year.
I suppose I'll be looking for the checkbook that draws on my US account tonight, and encourage all of you to do the same. I may call or email to see if there's a way to make sure the donation goes towards maintenance.
Edit - the page for online donations can be found here
If you're not American or the Smithsonian doesn't resonate with you, please consider donating to your local museum or historical trust.
Smithsonian officials estimate that it will take a total of $2.3 billion over the next nine years to solve the most pressing problems. The Board of Regents, the institution's governing body, has considered charging entrance fees to compensate for the budget shortfall. Since it was established in 1846, the Smithsonian has never charged for admission, and Sheila P. Burke, the institution's deputy secretary and chief operating officer, said that so far the recommendation had been voted down.
"These are the nation's treasures," she said. "Ultimately we feel protecting them is a federal responsibility."
Private donations have increased over the last decade, officials said. But donors tend to direct money toward exhibitions and programs or, in the case of major contributors, special projects that can be named for them. In September 2000, Kenneth E. Behring, a California developer and philanthropist, gave $80 million to the National Museum of American History, which now has "Behring Center" attached to its name. But the money was primarily earmarked for the design of major new exhibition areas, including a hall devoted to military history that opened last year. "It is difficult to raise money for plaster and plumbing," Ms. Burke said.
. . .
Still, while Congress and Smithsonian officials debate who is responsible for what, some treasures have been lost for good. Among them is the collection of snapping lids and tools developed in the 1940's by Earl Tupper as the earliest prototypes of the now ubiquitous Tupperware.
Attentive to leaks and humidity from an old steam heating system, curators in the Museum of American History, where the items were housed in a collection room, kept the treasured bits of Americana in a glass case covered with two layers of plastic sheeting. During the waiting period for financing and management restructuring after the 2001 government review, a rusty pipe ruptured, blasting the case with an acidic burst of water that penetrated the sheeting and glass.
"It was the most catastrophic leak we have ever had," said Steven Turner, a physical sciences curator at the museum. "The samples deformed, just kind of curled up. A plastic handle looked like it just exploded. We go to great efforts to protect things. These things are part of the national heritage. But it just wasn't enough. It was really traumatic."
A portion of the heating system was finally replaced early this year.
I suppose I'll be looking for the checkbook that draws on my US account tonight, and encourage all of you to do the same. I may call or email to see if there's a way to make sure the donation goes towards maintenance.
Edit - the page for online donations can be found here
If you're not American or the Smithsonian doesn't resonate with you, please consider donating to your local museum or historical trust.