FROM THE EDITOR

Don't get all bored about this issue just because the special focus has the word "museum" in it. (Please forgive me, museum professionals. I'm speaking to those unfamiliar with Illinois' 800 museums.)

The stereotypical pillared and dusty museum is a dying breed.

Into this at-times misunderstood facility, there's been an infusion of creativity regarding collections and marketing.

As architect Peter Exley shares (on page 39), children's museums are designed to be about "learning through play...exploring, touching, running, smelling, jumping, tasting, listening and making noise."

To market the Lake County Museum, its manager, Janet Gallimore, "tweaks history into activities that already have an audience," such as a motorcycle history tour of Lake County for bikers (page 36) and a fly-fishing clinic at the museum's adjacent lake that appeals to the North Shore s Range Rover and khaki pants crowd.

The very word "museum," as used by museum professionals, is very broadly defined to include anything that collects and preserves. So, add to art and history museums, the likes of zoos, science and technology centers, arboretums and planetariums.

In Illinois, museums affiliated with park districts and forest preserves range from Chicago's tourist meccas such as the John G. Shedd Aquarium to Fox Valleys Backberry Farm-Pioneer Village.

Says Mark Harmon, museum supervisor for the Downers Grove (Park District) Museum: "I'm fortunate that at this district the administration and board take a good deal of interest in the museum....most grew up and have lived in Downers Grove for most of their lives and they have a vested interest in their heritage. And, what better way to preserve it than a museum."

So, dust off your own preconceived notions of museums and learn more about them starting on page 24.

Finally, a few quick but important footnotes: 1) thank you Valerie Lorimer of the Park District of Highland Park, for shooting and sharing the photograph on the cover of the November/December '98 issue; 2) look for a special four-part "Benefits of Parks & Recreation" series to replace TrendWatch and debut in the May/June issue; 3) see page 54 for IP&R's 1999 editorial lineup;and 4) always welcome are your letters and comments!

ANN LONDRIGAN
Editor

4/ Illinois Parks and Recreation