Museum destroys student project

[samgrant]

Originally Posted by 1stMD5thRgmtANV

Sad... So sad.

There are kids that live here, right around the center of the Eastern Theater of the battle that hate the history...

Please elaborate.

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[Ashbel]

Some good news on this Diorama fiasco. The Texas Civil War Museum in Fort Worth has offered to pay to restore the diorama and to "correct" any inaccuracies. They will then display it in their museum. The people at the military museum in Austin are: "considering the offer." At least someone is willing to right this wrong.

[ole]

Good news, ashbel. I've not seen the "community" so outraged in many, many years. Nor so united in a common cause.

There is a unity in our regard for history, and that unity is seriously involved in those who will eventually replace us. The sides fade away when it comes to the youngers. If we square off on this or that issue, we tend to come together when sharing our passion. And the slap at the students who labored long on the project is/was a slap at all of us who would very much like to see the passion continue.

With that destruction, our candle was snuffed.

ole

[Ashbel]

Ole
I think most of us could care less if the diorama was totally accurate. What we are concerned about is that this careless act could "dampen the enthusiasm" of some young people.

A quick story. Years ago I sent out an announcement for our Civil War Round Table for a program to be given by Dr. Grady McWhiney on Bishop Leonidas Polk. I made a "slight" mistake in the announcement. In the title of his presentation I said he was going to be talking about "Bishop Pope." (no kidding) Dr. McWhiney gave his speech and never said a word about my mistake. In fact, I did not realize I had made it until 3 or 4 months later when I just happened to look at the announcement while I was catching up on some paperwork.

I was mortified. I called Dr. McWhiney and I asked him: "Doc, Why didn't you correct my mistake?" Dr. McWhiney who was one of the finest, kindest and most considerate historians ever said: "The mistake had already been made. My correcting it would not have changed anything. Besides. I didn't want to dampen your enthusiasm."

Lesson learned.

[ole]

And now, you've competely destroyed my opinion of Dr. McWhiney. Thanks bunches.

ole