The Museum of Menstruation (MUM) has closed the doors of its New Carrollton, MD, facility, and can now only be visited via the web. MUM founder Harry Finley had maintained his eclectic collection in the basement of his modest ranch home, opening by appointment to the public on weekends. "I am looking for a public location after four years of having MUM in my house," Harry informed us.

The decision to close the basement operation was made by Harry partly due to his concern for public safety. "One thing that amazes me is that nothing bad ever happened -- no one slipped on the stairs and sued me, etc. That concerned me a few months before I closed; I felt I was tempting fate." Also, he holds down a full time job with the government, and couldn't offer weekday hours with any regularity.

While physical tours are no longer available, there are still several ways to enjoy the Museum of Menstruation. "Right now, copies of eight of the menarche booklets from MUM are part of a national traveling exhibit about women's health, which pleases me," Harry said. "A German women's magazine is seeking help right now for an article about menstruation, and it's probable that a well known women's cable network will do something on the museum."

You can also read about Roadside America's 1998 visit to MUM, or visit Harry's own website at www.mum.org.

[01/17/1999]