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Hello Forum
I caught this posting concerning the noseart of ''OLD BILL''.
I am somewhat surprised to hear, allegedly, that the family of the late Bill Whitson, her Pilot, have now made enquiries to place this historic piece of noseart on display within a museum environment. During the years of Bill's life, there were many requests to have this on display and each time, but each time there was a resistance to that. I am aware of only one specific instance of the noseart leaving Bill's home, and that was for a 305th BG reunion in the 1980's. And of course that was not actually a public exhibition, but rather specific to those attending the reunion and being former members of the 305th.
My understanding was Bill's wishes were, for this item to remain within the family, period.
The item itself has been admired from afar by many people. I include history buffs as well as more dubious ''memorabilia collectors''. I knew of Bill's death in August, we were notified by the family very soon after his passing. That news was held in confidence within the BGMA, because of the expected interest, and less desirable attentions that would be generated, and perhaps unwanted soliciting toward the family who were grieving at that time.
Yes, it would be wonderful to see this noseart on display for all to see. However, the thorny issue of someone taking control and responsibility for this is a big one. I have seen in recent months several questionable situations where museums, well known ones, taking on personal memorabilia from both living and recently deceased Veterans, for it only to be stored away out of sight. The issue of donation is a distressing one, because a family can find itself loosing all rights to what had been, and in their eyes still is, their family history. Especially when the said items are then found not displayed, or are removed and stored out of sight at a later date, again resigned in storage. The much better arrangement is ''LOAN'' with a contract written up where upon the family hold total legal title and ownership, and can, if they so desire, have the item(s) returned to them.
I am personally in favour of displaying this history, BUT, on a ''LOAN'' basis, and the family concerned having full ownership and rights of return.
There are too many such personal items across the museum network which, even now, remain in cardboard boxes in dusty basements or lock ups. Museums have a real problem in this, because they take on so much with limited space for display on a long term basis. If you ran an audit on most I think you'd discover the items on public show run to probably 25% of their holdings; the rest is locked away. The other big worry is a rotation of ''volunteer staff'' at many such facilities. Faces and personal agendas change with alarming regularity. Many are well intentioned, and just get overwhelmed in the enthusiasm. Then there are others who get involved who have a more shady motives. It is a fact of life that sadly, items get moved around, paperwork gets separated and abused, and yes, personal items suddenly grow legs and go for a walk..... ending up in private collectors hands.
It is a huge responsibility, handling what is history of great human endeavour.
Ian White - Vice President 305th Bomb Group Memorial Association
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