I am glad to have helped promote a spirited discussion. George and Lincoln had great comments. SBRHS is an example of a well run outfit. But investing in a flatbed up in Inyo County might be one way to facilitate the interests of Independence and Laws? Sharing maintenance, restoration, and fundraising can result in economies of scale. An insurance pool could also allow for more "operational" exposure to exhibits. Shared "traveling" exhibits and loans from other museums is common in many genre's, as when the Matisse's go to the National Museum in DC, or King Tut comes around. A central maintenance and restoration facility, in cooperation with the CSRM might also be a good "joint" solution. An umbrella organization does exist among some museums and collections, but as these comments note, it is a work in progress.

BOB2