The Seaport Store is just that- a store. Books and CDs can be bought on line so why keep a large inventory in stock that is both costly and timely to inventory. Maritime prints and paintings sell well. The public drives the inventory.
The Store is not what make Mystic Seaport an outstanding place. The ships are still there as is the shipyard, The demonstration squad still does the outside demonstration skill stuff. The daily chantey music performances still happen. Exhibits are updated and remain interesting; Seadogs, Women at Sea, Black Hands- Blue Seas etc. It is true that some exhibits have been open on and off; Cooperage, Nautical Instruments and Chandlery. The daily visitor numbers drive what the Seaport can or can not afford to present.
Williamsburg does ok but that's about the only museum doing well . Where else in N.E. do you see living history museums flourishing? Some museum professional say living history museums are a thing of the past - a dead concept.Where is the public?