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The Kentucky Fair Board met today (11/15/18) at 12:30 and by unanimous vote adopted a "Resolution Related to the Sale of Certain Items Representing Racist Ideology" with "Certain Exceptions."
Specifically to the swastika emblem in use by the Third Reich, they have banned items reproduced after WWII. OVMS has updated our Show Rules Regarding Culturally Offensive Material to specifically prohibit modern replica items (among other changes). As before, these rules will be strictly enforced at all OVMS shows.
As much fun as it is to collect, study, and learn from historic artifacts, situations like this underscore the fact that in the absence of abundant context, collecting WWII memorabilia in particular can be frankly shocking to people unfamiliar with the hobby. This is simply a fact of the world that we live in, and not a debate to be won or lost.
The decision of the Kentucky Fair Board to allow properly contextualized, responsible display and sale of original historic artifacts is quite frankly very courageous, considering all of the incredible pressure that was brought to bear upon them. We owe them a tremendous debt of thanks, loyalty, and more importantly - our wholehearted cooperation and assistance.
OVMS cannot do this alone. At the shows, in online forums, and in the world at large, the way we act and the words we say will either help the hobby or doom it. As an exhibitor, member, or guest, we are counting on YOU to be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. We need to be ambassadors for the responsible collecting of all items, all time periods. By our actions as collectors, we have the opportunity to demonstrate to those unfamiliar with our hobby that collecting truly is a historical pursuit and not a political activity. The past may be in your collection room.. but the future of this hobby is in your hands. We are counting on you to act accordingly.
Bill Combs
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