Re: [MV] East Coast Trip & Aberdeen conditions
DDoyle9570@aol.com
Tue, 25 May 1999 12:36:32 EDT
I am almost certain that the museum at Aberdeen is not funded by "the nations
military budget", rather by a private foundation, which is funded by
donations and grants, and by gift shop sales. Further, it is somewhat
hindered by being located on government property. I recently read in their
publication how many thousands of dollars are spent trying to "sandblast" one
item. Whereas those of us on this list would either blast happily away in
our backyard, or have a contractor do this. The museum foundation must not
use sand...silicosis you see...they first tried if I remember the article
correctly, a slurry of baking soda, which worked well, but the water had to
be treated, then of course the baking soda, with fine lead based paint
particles in it is now hazardous waste, which had to be hauled by a licensed
hazmat hauler, to a hazardous waste land fill and disposed of at $$$$per
pound. I may not have the details exact, I read this a few months ago, but
you get the idea.
Perhaps those of us in the MVPA might try to have our local chapter or
national organization give these folks a few bucks occasionally. Of course,
they'll take donations from individuals as well. i.e. if you're not part of
the solution, you are part of the problem.
I once was at a similar facility, and overheard the another visitor remark
"'they' sure should do something to improve the maintenance here" and then
that same person proceeded to the ticket window and asked for an AARP
discount!! And this person didn't notice the irony of this, even after I
pointed it out (I've never been accused of being shy)!!
I recommend subscribing to "Museum Ordnance", I fine publication that comes
bimonthly, dealing with things MV and Aberdeen.
My 2 cents
David Doyle
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