Recent news reports about Misci that were short on details and seemingly more sales than substance have surfaced in earnest in the last couple of weeks. First, there was a statement from Schenectady County officials that the prospect of Misci moving from their current, troubled building were completely unrealistic. I disagree. Within the reports were comments about the condition of the building being much rosier than the reality of the situation. I disagree. Then, the most recent comments from Schenectady County officials were Misci is staying where it is because the County will be conducting a study on the condition of the building.
This whole situation is eerily similar to the experience with CMOST, which was a museum that experienced dire financial issues and closed a few years ago. In a previous post, I provided some details of the situation involving CMOST prior to its demise. I hope the same result isn’t reality for Misci.
The two situations have many similarities to this point. I am made aware of a museum in a dire situation. After reviewing the current and historical circumstances that have led to the museum’s issues and lack of action by local officials, I assess if there is a role we can play to assist. I visit the facility, express an interest in helping the organization and our efforts become public. At that point politicos circle the wagons, press the board of the organization, begin a public information campaign designed to quell the interest of other government officials/volunteers who express interest in helping and the ultimate goal is to get the story out of press as quickly as possible. Nothing to see here, we have everything under control.
Since we have been down this road before, albeit in a different County, it is prudent to watch this process closely, due to the incredible similarities with CMOST. I would hate to see Misci quietly go away after this initial spurt of information is discussed in the public realm.
I want to thank the individuals from government and the private sector who have contacted me and expressed interest in helping Misci. I have said from the beginning, the goal is to help Misci, up to and including a relocation if that became the optimal result for a sustainable future. It was never my intention to create animosity or competition with our friends in Schenectady County. I will be the first to applaud Schenectady County officials if there is a happy ending to this story. The very recent actions and public statements by officials have now placed them on notice. They have no choice but to make it work now.
I believe for a museum to be successful it requires an outpouring of community support from individual citizens and businesses. Government can be a vital partner as well. However, before government begins writing checks you need supporters to “buy-in” to a solid plan for the future and stakeholders who have an “ownership” in the organization.
We will be watching the situation with Misci very closely. I am pleased our efforts have apparently resulted in action to at least begin the process of analyzing the Misci situation, but there is a long road ahead. The most recent, wonderful exhibits I saw at Misci, involved teaching physics by utilizing various types of material to assess the difference in resistance when an outside object or force is applied. Astroturf provides less resistance than real grass and can quickly cover up blemishes in the short term. Real grass takes more time and effort to cultivate, but the work completed up front provides a much more enjoyable experience that is personally satisfying and sustainable for the long term. Our society could use less astroturfing and more solid long -term results. Same is true for Misci.
Clifton Park and Beyond 