Educator Wrote:
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> The real value in a museum comes from its
> programs; that is how they connect with the public
> and expand knowledge. Quality programming costs a
> lot - certainly on par with quality restorations -
> but over the years I've noticed many minor yet
> important updates in the CSRM galleries to help
> keep them fresh. It is that programming that the
> California State Railroad Museum continues to do
> in an exceptional fashion, serving hundreds of
> thousands of visitors each year. So that begs
> some questions:
>
> 1) How many other rail museums can boast of that
> level of attendance?
>
> 2) How many rail museums actually have
> interpretive or educational (means the same thing)
> programs?
>
> 3) When will the rail museum foamers get over
> their obsession with "save everything" and focus
> on quality content with a meaningful and relevant
> message?

This brings up a good point. Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City recently made major improvements to better connect the story of railroading to the average Nevadan. It's most recent director is a National Park Service alumni. NSRM is smaller, less visitors and has the same budget and staff issues, but the museum exhibits and programing make a better connection to the customer.
ARD