Before Christopher Reeve’s untimely death in 2004 he taught the world what it means for a man to fly. After his horse jumping accident in 1995 that left the legendary Superman actor paralyzed, Reeve became more than just an on screen symbol. He became a real-world symbol of hope to paralyzed people everywhere.
Now, the Smithsonian wants to create an exhibit dedicated to the late actor. But what they’re asking for is more than what the Reeve family is willing to give. According to the New York Post the museum was offered Reeve’s high-tech wheelchair by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, but the deal never went through. The Smithsonian wanted much more than Reeves’ now infamous wheelchair, they wanted his exercise equipment, medications and letters he wrote discussing his condition.
According to the Post report, Katherine Ott, curator at the museum, said, “We need the whole history of his experience, not just one piece. We want the fuller story, not just the chair. What if people look at only the chair 50 years from now? It won’t tell the whole story.”
Dana Reeve’s (late wife of Christopher who died of lung cancer in 2005) sister Deborah Morosini said that the additional requests upset her.
The Smithsonian needs to realize that even though the public may want a full picture of the late hero, the decision on what gets presented to the public remains in the power of the Reeve family. Christopher and his wife passed away within a one year time span. The museum needs to learn more tact in approaching the family. First issue an apology to Ms. Morosini and the Reeves Foundation. Then, ask for the wheelchair, and gradually work towards obtaining other memorabilia. People still want to see the wheelchair, that’s what we remember. Everything else is less important. So, don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.
