Museum Merger

One only need look to the drama being played out at the Smithsonian Institution to see a potential result of the merger of the Southwest Museum with the Autry (“A Call to Keep the Southwest, Autry Separate,” by Christopher Knight, May 4). A secretary with only government and industry background is attempting to greatly de-emphasize the scholarly aspects of the vast Smithsonian collections in favor of glitzy, corporate-sponsored public displays.

As Knight points out, the Autry Museum director with a similar background would potentially have great and questionable discretion over the Southwest Museum’s rich Native American collection and its interpretation.

DON R. REYNOLDS

Los Angeles

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I, too, would like to see the Autry and Southwest museums remain as is. However, I do not feel that Knight was fair in his appraisal of the Autry.

The museum has been steadily gaining stature with exhibits of the Gold Rush and the Chinese immigration experience in the western United States. The museum has offered programs and theater presented by Native Americans as well as programs associated with its exhibits. The museum’s importance to the community is increasing as its commitment to the accuracy of the settlement of the West is demonstrated.

MARCIA SPIRA

Monterey Park

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I’ve never read anything more stupid and asininely ridiculous.

As to Knight’s petty remarks about the new management of the Autry, your “art critic” should look to The Times itself to see that sometimes it’s the best way to go. He should be relegated to just covering kindergarten art displays.

WILLIAM H. NEWBRO

Burbank