Dear Editor:

I have a question for the folks on the Boothbay appeals board. Why is a museum not also an educational facility?

I understand that the dictionary defines a museum as a place where items of historical, natural, or scientific interest are stored. But, why do people go to museums? They go to learn about the items the museum houses. Our schools send classes to museums all the time for the learning experience, not for the entertainment value.

Visitors to the Botanical Gardens not only have an enjoyable outdoor experience, but also can ask questions of the horticultural staff, the docents, and the volunteers to learn about what grows there, how it is grown, and what to think about for their home gardens. Visitors can also learn about organic gardening practices, xeriscaping for water conservation, and factors to consider in building energy efficient buildings. It seems to me that if Camp Knickbocker qualified as an educational facility back when the current zoning was put into place, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens certainly qualifies now.

Just my two cents.

Sandy Paxson

Bath