I had heard for years that museums, simply put, did not want shell
collections.  They would sit in the corner collecting dust until someone
pitched that lifetime collection out.  I also heard that if you can't leave
them to a particular person (children, etc) they will just take us space in a
museum.
 
This, basically, is not true.
 
Rudy Mancke, who is with the Educational Network here in South Carolina, had
our shell club program Sunday.  I asked him about museums and collections
because he formerly worked with the SC State Museum.
 
He said that a shell collection was invaluable to a museum.  Of course,
without scientific data it isn't of any scientific data.  But, even without
data, shells can be given to various organizations (schools, etc.) and they
are grateful for them.
 
I know a lot of people have been wondering about this and concerned if they
don't have children (who could care less) to whom their precious collection
can be passed.
 
Carol