The McGovern Legacy Museum at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell drew an estimated 25,000 visitors in its first year. The museum is part of the George and Eleanor McGovern Library and Center for Leadership and Public Service. ''I knew that Sen. McGovern had a lot of friends around the country and world, but I was a little surprised,'' museum director Donald Simmons was quoted as saying in The Daily Republic newspaper. ''One thing about the McGovern Legacy Museum that is interesting is that you don't have to be a Democrat and you don't have to like George McGovern's policies at all,'' said Pam Engelland, director of the Corn Palace Convention and Visitors Bureau. ''It's just a lesson about that time in our history.''Like Mr. Simmons, I was a "little surprised," too. After all, what was the attendance that the AP thought was so wonderful? 25,000? For the whole year? Sorry, AP, but that just isn't very much. I worked at a museum in my youth and 25,000 would have had us in tears. So, here is a little perspective about the Mustard Museum I mentioned. The Mt. Horeb Mustard Museum in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin says that they welcomed 30,000 visitors last year. Yes, you read that correctly. A museum that showcases thousands of brands of mustard drew more people than the McGovern Museum. A condiment is more popular than George McGovern. Now, can we say that mustard has "a lot of friends around the country and world"? So, AP, I have to say, don't bother me with the loser from 1972. But, please pass the mustard.
AP Glorifies McGovern Museum Despite Paltry Attendance
October 30th, 2007 2:25 AM
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