[meteorite-list] AD - SALE and FUNDRAISER

From: Michael Fowler <mqfowler_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:49:07 -0500
Message-ID: <7478E587-7A9F-4E0C-820C-1AB118AD6194_at_mac.com>

Hi Eric,

Good luck with your effort.

One question comes to mind. Will there be insurance for both the permanent collection, as well as loaned, or visiting collections?
Loss due to theft could be a major concern, it only has to happen once.

Mike Fowler
Chicago

PS My business was burglarized last week, so the experience is fresh in my mind.





> You know, the meteorite museum idea is a phenomenally wonderful
> philanthropic gesture and contribution to the meteorite community. I've
> spoken with Greg at length about it, and he's very excited. He's also a
> realist. He knows it could fail easily, but he's willing to take the
> risk. I've heard some rather negative remarks about the museum from some
> but still I think it's a good idea, if done right. Can you think of a
> better idea, or why this shouldn't or couldn't be done? Here's what I see.
>
> IF it takes off in the small town, it would most probably work in a
> larger city.
> IF it survives the first year in the small town, it could easily be
> moved to a slightly more populated area.
> Year 2 or 3 could see the museum moved to a larger city like nearby
> Charlotte
> Charlotte is a larger city who's population could easily support a
> meteorite museum
> As the success continues to build over time, more institutions and
> private collectors could help support this museum network by donating
> the funding needed and loaning meteorites to the museum(s) for display
> and study.
> The museum could be also be expanded and supported in part by locating
> it near Universities in other larger cities throughout the USA.
> Universities could have a meteorite study programs alongside any
> astronomy related education currently part of their curriculum
> Cooperation and participation by Universities and collectors could
> create a foundation upon which an entire meteorite museum network could
> be founded.
> The opportunity for growth and outreach to communities and students of
> astronomy related studies and meteoritics is phenomenal
>
> Keep in mind, if he can make it work in this economy, in a small town,
> with very little funding, it could be the catalyst from something much
> grander and more educationally fulfilling than anyone could imagine. But
> it will take the efforts of many people working together to make it happen.
>
> Meteorites for display/loan to the museum could come from any number of
> sources. There are literally tens of thousands of meteorites in
> institutional and private collection that could be loaned or donated to
> the museum. More than enough to fill 50 small meteorite museums in 50
> capitol cities! Placing the museums close to Universities would help
> alleviate some fears of lost material, which at the same time allowing
> much of the material that's currently locked away in specimen drawers to
> the viewed and enjoyed by the public thereby creating one of the largest
> meteorite outreach programs in the history of meteorites. What better
> way to do that than with a meteorite museum that if successful could
> reach millions of people in every capital city in every state of our
> great union. The potential for education, and propagation of knowledge
> of meteoritics would be unmatched. What better name for such a museum,
> than one being named after our beloved and much respected Norton and
> Nininger.
>
> There's a risk sure, but the reward far outweighs any risk of loss,
> funding, or lack of interest. If this fails, it's not because Greg
> didn't try...
>
> I believe in the idea of a meteorite museum, and support it 110%.
>
> Regards,
> Eric
Received on Fri 27 Aug 2010 07:49:07 PM PDT