War Memorial Archival Warehouse

[Flt.Lt.Andrew]

Hey all,

In Canberra, the AWM has a fat archive/warehouse full of awesome stuff such as Canberra bombers, Hueys etc.
I feel that I should get a taste for this stuff, because if no one else does, whos going to know about it except in three years from now.
What do you think my chances are of them letting me view this place?

A.

[ATI_7500]

Well, why don't you just ask them?

[Hagar]

Well, why don't you just ask them?

That seems the obvious solution. Why not give them a ring? They worst that can happen is that they will say No. Here's their website. http://www.awm.gov.au/aboutus/welcome.htm

Brensec knows more about the AWM than anyone else here so you could also ask him. I think he still pops in from time to time. From what he's already said here the AWM is not an ordinary museum but is also treated as a memorial. Apparently photography of the exhibits is not permitted, unlike conventional military museums in most countries.

I feel that I should get a taste for this stuff, because if no one else does, whos going to know about it except in three years from now.

I don't think you need worry too much about that. If you're really interested in this you could become a Friend of the Memorial. I'm sure they always need younger people to carry on the work.

[Smoke2much]

Most museums/archives/libraries have a policy of letting people in if they can state a reason for doing so.  As Doug says phone them up or write them a letter.  If the Museum is government owned it is by definition public property and they should not deny access.

To hight light my point 10 years ago when I was a spotty youth (20) I went to the British Museum in London looking for a specific Egyption piece.  After searching for approximately 2 hours I couldn't find it.  I told one of the curators that I had an interest in this piece and asked what I had to do to see it.  He took me into a small office and we looked for it in a catalogue.  He went away and 10 minutes or so later a man came back with it and I had a private view.  I was not allowed to touch it naturally but the man who brought it in was an egyptologist and was able to tell me about it in much more detail than a small piece of paper would have.

I didn't claim to be writing a book or studying egypt at university or lie in any way.  All I said was that I was interested in seeing it.  Remember that the guardians of these treasures want people to share in their passion for them.  If you already have an interest they will encourage it, not try and put you off.

Will

[Hagar]

Will's just reminded me of one of my own pet projects. I wanted to find out as much as possible about my old boss & went to the local library at Shoreham. They went out of their way to help me & showed me their archive of newscuttings relating to Shoreham Airport. These go back many years & there were several folders full of them. I could have stayed as long as I wished & photocopied anything of interest using the nearby photocoprier. I didn't have time to do what I wished so will need to make several further visits. Most of these people are passionately interested in the subject themselves so, as Wll points out, will do all they can to share their knowledge with as many people as possible.

[Flt.Lt.Andrew]

Thank you!
I'm rather keen on having a look at their Canberra B.2 bomber...painted in navy blue....now all I need is a free weekend and a ride down there....

A.