A letter of gratitude to Dan McCollister

Dan:

In 1982, as a young registrar at the IBM Gallery in New York, you sent me the most outstanding drivers and equipment, supported by precision logistics. I remember the secure feeling, knowing that priceless museum objects in traveling exhibitions would have the utmost attention. I could always rest, assured that safe transportation was at hand, and I didn’t need to worry. Over the years, your people have done what they do so well innumerable times, flawlessly. Founded on that ongoing excellence, our mutual respect and friendship has grown as have we, each in our own ways.

The day last year when you agreed so readily to support the Convergence of Museum Talent, I thought to myself that there wasn’t anyone I’d rather have as a partner in this project. You understood immediately the need to support the next generation, understand their needs, and stay in the struggle with them with as much grace and vitality as we can continue to muster.

The project is flowering now, hopefully, to be taken over by the 13ers as they will, indeed, take away our jobs and do better with them than we ever dreamed. We will have the satisfaction in knowing that we did a bit to smooth the route, without precise logistics, but with our resources of wealth and wit and wisdom and the willingness to see what the 13ers have in mind. Plus, we’ve got something of a front row seat at the next revolution, always something to cherish.

Thank you again for your support, friendship, and determination to move the Convergence of Museum Talent into a vibrant future.

Mary Case 3/12/07

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Dan McCollister is a president of McCollister’s Transportation, a trusted name in the museum field, and a personal friend. More information about his company and how they serve museums nationwide can be found at www.mccollisters.com.