By Dan Horn
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Spencer Crew worked for 20 years at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History, the last seven as its director. Now, he is executive director of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as it prepares to open a new, $110 million building on Cincinnati's riverfront in August.

Question: The Freedom Center is attempting to be many things, a combination museum, research facility and an interactive educational center. How would you describe it?

Answer: "We like to call ourselves a 21st-century cultural institution. We see ourselves as one of the museums of conscience. Our mission is to inspire people to be actively involved in their community and to try to make things better. It's about a lot of ideas, coalescing around freedom."

Q: The center does not have many historical artifacts in its collection and does not yet have a large archive or library. How will you tell the story of the Underground Railroad without them?

A: "I don't see ourselves doing extensive collecting. We're trying to relay the history in a variety of ways. We're using film and interactive exhibits to tell the story. I'm not sure objects are the only thing that make an exhibit work. For me, you find a few precious things to give it more depth and power. It's how you use them."

Q: The Freedom Center will need to draw 260,000 people and raise $5 million to $7 million a year in private contributions to cover its $10 million budget. Are you concerned about meeting those goals?

A: "I'm not going to say it's a piece of cake, but I think it's doable. We see ourselves as raising the necessary money. We bring a national perspective (to fund raising). That's not in the formulation of many other local institutions."

Q: How will you attract a wide audience to the Freedom Center?

A: "We're working hard to have people see this as an institution for all people. We're not an African-American history museum. That's not how we position ourselves. It's an important part of what we do, but ... you will see a wide variety of people highlighted and discussed (at the center). It's not just for the African-American community."

Q: How has your work here been different from your work at the Smithsonian?

A: "My most interesting experience is helping to build a building. You don't get to do that at the Smithsonian. It's been exciting and fun, but also a learning experience. It's a chance to break out of the bounds of traditional museum presentation. We're looking for ways to share history in a way that is accessible. I think people will find that we're different."