Gentlemen:
Fred and I asked for opinions and opinions have come pouring in. Thank you all.
If you believe as do Fred and I, then we have a basis for agreement in that there aren't enough young faces in our particular community and that we somehow must reach out beyond our comfort zone to introduce others to the long rifle, its art, and its history. Belief and opinion being one thing, but action an entirely different matter.
Several at ALR have invested personal time and treasure into furthering the knowledge of the long rifle outside our little community. While there has been some success we still don't exactly see folks breaking down the doors, except in rare cases. The Artisan Show at Lewisburg being a prime example of success but still perhaps not presenting what I might consider a proactive outreach. All I'm saying is that we seem to lack a concerted and organized effort to encourage interest in our antiques and to educate those outside our circle. I can't help but wonder why we're so blind to this.
So comes the question... What are you willing to do on a personal level? Are you willing to do anything at all?
What if we developed a structured outreach program? Would you personally be willing to invest the time and effort to become a diplomat for the promotion of the long rifle? Would you be willing to learn about the many deeper meanings we see carved or inlaid in our antiques, yet mostly take for granted? Would you be willing to stand at a podium or behind an exhibit table to actively greet and educate even a small child? Would you be willing to seek out possible avenues of interest not in the firearms aspect of our antiques, but in their great beauty and history?
And what if as a diplomat you were required to invest some of your own time and treasure? Would you? Just remember that there are those who do and those who talk. Talkers have their place, of course. But talkers will really never be more than spectators. Doers, for good or bad, are the action folks. Doers go out and shake the bushes. They have skin in the game.
So do we sit around and talk? Do we forever discuss? Or do we set a goal for ourselves and make an honest attempt to reach for it? Bear in mind that it took only two people to develop the Virtual Library & Museum. Don't get me wrong here, we encountered the owner and directors of ALR who were gracious enough to gamble on hosting our project and the many who have contributed to the most extensive display of long rifles to be found anywhere on earth! We couldn't have done this without help and we're in debt to everyone who has participated.
Just remember that this is not a game for someone else to play. If you own or value the long rifle, then you already have a personal interest in promoting these unique pieces of art and history. I, myself, look at this as a choice between standing back and watching helplessly as the future of our antiques unfolds, or at least making an effort to direct their future. I'd like to believe that many here at ALR who might rather direct than watch helplessly.
Thank you all once again for your opinions and ideas. Fred and I solicit your assistance in the promotion of the long rifle. Our goal is to develop a program (or programs) which will benefit everyone from owners of the long rifle, to youngsters in school, to educational institutions, and to anyone with an appreciation of fine art and history.
So the invitation is out there for your consideration. Think about it please. The wonderful thing is that we're neither buying nor selling anything... We're giving! And giving in this world today is a unique concept!
