The glass is half full, not half empty [says the optimist].  So
there are many unrestored instruments in the Bovey collection; it
doesn't surprise me in the least.  The people at the Montana Heritage
Foundation I think have made the most of what they have and fulfilling
the former owner's wishes.  They have raised money, restored several
instruments and kept the collection together.

However -- admittedly from my standpoint of perceptions and limited
knowledge -- raising the necessary money seems like an uphill battle.
Our AMICA chapter donated money, but as chapter president I wondered
if it was a self sustainable situation:  Can they get the money from
admissions from a sparsely populated area?  Will enough people come
from outside the area?  In a state where the people are known for
strongly disliking taxes, can they get state money which includes
running many bus loads of kids through it, from "far and wide"?

The Guinness Collection, by comparison (Lady Liberty Chapter Area),
is surrounded by over 20 million people, many of them wealthy.  They
"tax the heck" out of people so they can get state local government
money.  Being located in a major metropolitan area, people with private
money to donate are more likely to know about it.  The Guinness
Collection was mobbed last time I was there.  I have no doubt it will
continue to be a huge success.

The Montana Heritage Foundation in many respects has already been
successful.  I think the answer to improve, is to put together great
package deals to get people to travel out there and promote these
deals.  Get on "everybody's" list of things to see and do in Montana.
Montana is beautiful country with breathtaking sights, wildlife, etc.
Until enough money is raised, I see nothing wrong with first restoring
the outsides of these unrestored instruments and display them out in
the open where the people can see them.  Push a button to hear a digital
recording of what the instrument sounds like until the insides are
done.  I wish them lots of luck.

Bill Maguire