9 Aug
2012
9 Aug
'12
1:10 p.m.
This is in line with my experience. Some are very
cautious, there are people out there who would use such a privilege to damage things. In
general, museums are all about preservation and study. If you are studying, they are very
helpful.
I can not think of a time when I was actually turned away from the
back room of a tech museum*, honestly.
I think the key is my third point - "don't be a dick". Every museum
has floating in the back of their heads an unofficial (and maybe
sometimes official!) list of people that have been too abrasive,
careless, or dangerous, that should not be allowed any privileges
beyond what normal visitors have. Riding into a museum on a high horse
is a pretty good way to get on this list, as are not following simple
rules like not touching things, wearing those dumb gloves, or putting
things back in order.
One last point about "getting into the back room" - museum people are
often busy doing boring paperwork jobs. It is best to bend to their
schedule, and not bug them to death. If they give you an appointment,
work with it.
Of course, sometimes the museum folks are looking for an excuse to get
away from the boring paperwork jobs, so this can be used to an
advantage!
* By tech museum I will include aircraft, radio, railroad, computer,
ship, industry, and so forth.
--
Will