I have a policy now of /not/ donating computer-related
items to any sort of
museum simply because of this. I'd rather something collect dust in my own
storage than have it be buried forever in a museum's "archive" where it is
inaccessible. Locking things away from people who might have a genuine
interest in them is imo just not right.
In all honesty, have you every actually ever *talked* with museum
staff about this? You will find out that most museums are quite happy
about showing things off in the back room. All you need to do is be
very respectful and follow the rules, have *some* sort of reason to
want to see something, and most importantly, don't be a dick. It is
pretty easy, actually.
--
Will