There are many points of view. Every collecting decision is a judgment call that requires knowledge both of the artifacts and of American history more generally. General knowledge is needed to answer many other questions. The research then becomes the basis for exhibitions at the museum and the many other ways in which we disseminate information. For example, curators write books and articles, both popular and academic.
Curators answer inquiries from people with historical questions or with objects to identify.
They also assist academic colleagues with a specialized knowledge of material culture. And they develop and deliver lectures, demonstrations and a wide variety of educational programs for the museum's audiences. These are the types of responsibilities we must keep in mind in deciding what the appropriate background is for the new curator of military history. Certainly, we are looking for someone with extensive knowledge in American military history. Museum experience is important, both exhibit experience and knowledge of collections.