I once thought East Coast bias only applied to sports, but now I realize that it encompasses another large part of our nation. The majority of our country’s treasures reside on the East Coast, housed in the Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery, and the National Archives. A significant portion of our population is never able to see these priceless artifacts that define our nation because they are so far away.
The problem is merely a geographical one, and could be remedied by several satellite museums dotted across the nation. These museums would house a portion of our nation’s collections for several years, and then the collections would rotate to the other satellites museums, as well as the main museums. This would allow everyone the opportunity throughout their lifetime to experience a large portion of our national heritage. In addition, Presidential Libraries and other sources would be encouraged to participate, expanding the depth and breadth of the collections.
I propose that the first regional satellite museum be built in Oregon. During the Great Depression, government money built several well know landmarks in Oregon, most notably Timberline Lodge and Crater Lake Lodge. Now is the time to resurrect the concept that brought them to reality by using recovery stimulus money to finance the building of a satellite museum. Oregon has been one of the hardest hit states in the current recession. The building of the museum and the subsequent tourism will bolster the state’s economy. Living on the Left Coast should not mean that we are Left Out. It is time for change.
The million dollars would be used to create a non-profit corporation with the sole goal of obtaining federal funding for the first National Satellite Museum. Local business, civic, and elected leaders would be recruited to be part of the campaign. Potentially, school children could be involved in a manner similar to the ‘Bring Keiko to Oregon’ campaign. A grass roots campaign that will generate excitement, civic pride, and once again put Oregon on the map for the best of reasons.