THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 1996 TAG: 9607030027
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 36 lines
Regarding ``Ailing Nauticus reworks its budget to make ends meet'' (Metro-News, June 21): You state that Nauticus President David T. Guernsey believes ``the key to turning the facility around is getting citizens to appreciate the attraction more.''
This seems backward. Now that the people of Norfolk are supporting Nauticus with their tax dollars, they (as well as other residents of Hampton Roads) ought to have a great deal of input about what they want out of Nauticus, instead of being told to appreciate what's already there.
Right now, Nauticus is not very entertaining for adults. I believe it is too gimmicky and does not educate or feed the imagination as well as it could.
However, with the right blend of education and entertainment, Nauticus can be a star attraction in downtown Norfolk.
I would very much like to see Norfolk transformed into a museum that tells a comprehensive story of Norfolk - from prehistoric times through the present and into the future. A general theme of water can still be used, since both saltwater and freshwater have played such an important part in shaping Norfolk's past and will continue to shape its future.
Last summer, I visited The Charleston Museum in Charleston, S.C., and throughly enjoyed its story of Charleston. Nauticus could do something similar with the story of Norfolk. Right now, no single museum attempts to tie Norfolk's history together. That's unfortunate, because Norfolk has a unique story to tell and of which to be proud.
Until the folks at Nauticus realize that many residents of Hampton Roads are not looking for another glorified amusement arcade with a cover charge, Nauticus will continue to have revenue shortfalls.
PAM DEAVOURS
Virginia Beach, June 24, 1996 by CNB