ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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In response to Bill Schmitt's question, regarding people's favorite  
HOMs.

Having visited (or worked at!) every museum on the list so far  
(except Fred Stein's choice. Hi Fred!) I'll propose a few commonalities:

They are, for the most part, NOT some of the horribly oversized  
museums found on ASTC's letterhead.  (Sorry! Just my opinion... your  
mileage may vary.)

"Favorite" museums tend to be small(er) places with many thoughtful  
and unique touches around every corner. (Did you find the  "secret"  
cat's face in Acton?) Staff and local visitors have a real sense of  
ownership about the place.

The museums on the list create an environment that makes you feel  
comfortable (not frenetic and overwhelmed.) Time speeds by because  
you get truly absorbed in seemingly simple activities, not because  
you are rushing from place to place or show to show.

While you are visiting one of museums on the list you always feel  
like there is no other place quite like it.

Years later, you still have favorite memories about your visit   
(Having someone make toast or a shoelace for you at the City Museum,  
using the Camera Obscura in the Firehouse Tower in Ann Arbor, Going  
to a "Telescope Night" at Herstmonceaux.)

If you want to touch donors, aim to be the "world's biggest".  If you  
want to touch visitors, build at a more human scale.


----------------------------------------------------------

Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator

Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
1684 Victoria Street
Baldwin, NY  11510

<http://www.orselli.net>

(516) 223-1043  voice
(516) 238-2797  mobile







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