There are many many oportunities for finding skilled workers who would be willing to donate time. My family have been in the construction trades in New York City and Long Island for five generations. I have three uncles remaining in local 638 of the Steamfitters Union. Also, four cousins and a nephew who are Journeymen with Local 638. My father is retired 638, his father and grand-father were all 638 men. Has anyone contacted the area's construction unions for assistance? How about the Carpenters, Electricians (IBEW), Machinists (IAMAW) about having apprentices train on the museum equipment? Do the area High Schools still have wood and machineshop classes? Try contacting Bergen Tech in NJ to see if they can help. If Jay or Don or any of the "officials" wish to contact me off line, I am sure I can give them contact names at Local 638 to see about mechanical assistance.
Paul
"We are all here because we are not all there."
"We are all here because we are not all there."