I received this response from the museum. He says the word "decommission" but then says "firing pins will be removed". I wish he could say "ONLY firing pins will be removed".
Dear JoseyWales,
I am sorry that false online comments have painted such an incorrect picture of the Wright. Thank you for reaching out to learn the truth regarding this issue.
We think the Wright is a special place for American history education and it will remain as it has for the last 25th years.
The entire Museum staff considers all the items in our Permanent Collection to be sacred objects, held in trust for future generations of Americans. As Museum professionals, we would never destroy any historical object.
The only thing that will change at the Wright as it relates to firearms is that we will decommission them. Firing pins will be removed, labeled and keep in a secure area. In respect to educating visitors, there will be no apparent change as the weapons are exhibited. The only people who handle our collection firearms are the staff – as is true of all other objects in the Collection - as is true at all history museums. Again, as Museum professionals, we must maintain collection items in a way that assures their long-time presence for future generations.
When we open in May 2020, for the first time in our history there will be a new secure gun case in which all weapons in the Wright Permanent Collection will be displayed. We are fortunate that a generous donor has made the creation of the case possible.
I sincerely hope that you will visit the Museum before making any decisions about the Wright. We will continue to exhibit as much of our Collection as possible in a professional and respective manner.
Michael Culver, Ph.D.