Gil Bohannon, you wrote:
"The "thing" you posted a photo of is a smoke detector. We have them in each compartment, and they are marked accordingly. So the one you saw with your initials is the one for the Forward Engine Room. "
Sure. Thanks! It's obviously a smoke detector (or a CO detector) and I only brought it up because I thought it was funny seeing my initials staring at me from that bulkhead.
And you wrote:
"Thank you for your input on the display case. When I put the sextant and navigational items in the case, I didn't do much as far as arranging them because they were intended as a temporary display until we have decided on a more formal display schedule. The sextant is no longer on display, nor is the star finder."
I see. That explains it then.
And you wrote:
"I understand what you are saying about selling the sextant, but we do not sell items that have been donated or have historical value."
Yes, that's a delicate issue with donations. All museums at a certain stage have to deal with this problem. Does this particular sextant have true historical value? Do you have any documentation on its history? Was it used aboard the Torsk at some point? Though it's not an American-made sextant or USN issue, it was quite common for officers to buy their own instruments. I couldn't see the serial number in my photos.
And:
"The star finder, although beat up, is one that has been used by submarine crews and therefore has historical significance. A new one might look pretty, but might not necessarily have the "feel" of a used one."
I don't agree on this one. That sleeve does not show normal wear and tear from use. It appears to have suffered from sort of storage deterioration (mold? plastic decay?). I have seen many examples of star finders from decades ago that are in much better condition. More importantly, mere use aboard some submarine does not qualify this item as a historical artifact. You're not collecting "relics of the cross" here. From the standpoint of education and interpretation, a copy of the star finder that doesn't look so beat up, or one that might even be displayed in such a way that it could be handled, would be more effective. I'm not suggesting a "new" one, though the newer ones are a little cheaper. I'm just saying that there are lots of these available on the market, and if you ever decide to display navigational items again --and the star finder is a great choice--, you can get a better one.
And you concluded:
"If you happen to come back through Torsk in the future, please give us a heads up. We could spend some time together and I am sure you would enjoy the visit much more if our volunteers are there to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what we do. That offer goes out to anyone who is interested - just let us know."
Thank you for the offer. Have you ever approached the powers that be to discuss the possibility of "VIP" or "behind-the-scenes" tours as a commercial option? Most museum submarines charge something like five to ten dollars for admission (though this is not always clear since many are part of a combined admission to a museum or a collection of vessels). Usually this admission covers a very basic guided tour or a self-guided tour. But there are many people who would pay $25 or possibly more for something more meaningful --a tour with some meat on the bones :-). In addition to providing more public service and a means of validating your importance to the community, these can also be a good way of impressing potential donors. There's a lot of money walking through the Inner Harbor ever lunch hour!
-FER
