Gestapo Tactics at Vienna's Freeman Store

If anyone knows the names of these two historic cronies please let us know.

I guess that when I go to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and can take pictures, that's okay. But when I visit the Freeman store, it's not. What is Vienna trying to hide? The Freeman Store is owned by the TOV. The Historic Vienna Organization receives its money from the TOV government. This means that the Freeman Store is a public place. That someone like Lane Hyde will attempt to stop some people from taking pictures is wrong (and bizarre).

The Freeman Store Museum
They call the Freeman Store a "museum." Why not really use it as one? It could host serious, small-scale exhibits on local history & culture. Some ideas might include photos of the W&OD RR, quilts by local quilters, and, yes, even N.Va's segregated past. Not all history is pretty, but it's all worth knowing and understanding. Exhibits could be kicked off with a Friday night opening that would draw people from around the area, who would also patronize local restaurants, creating a bit of public/private synergy.

Taken from Vienna's Official Government Site Describing HVI: "Historic Vienna, Inc.

Historic Vienna, Inc., is a non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving Vienna�s heritage. Guided by an elected board of directors, the organization includes a voting membership of individuals, businesses and community organizations interested in protecting historic sites and collecting artifacts and memorabilia of Vienna�s past. For information and membership applications, write HistoricVienna, Inc., P.O. Box 53, Vienna, VA 22183, or call 703-938-5187.

One of Historic Vienna�s major responsibilities is the operation of the Freeman House, which was restored under the group�s guidance. Located at the corner of Church and Mill Streets, N.E., the house served at various times as a residence, store, Civil War hospital, railroad station, post office and fire department. Today, the house contains a museum and old-fashioned general store open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. March through October. Group tours may also be arranged, and meeting space is available to groups belonging to Historic Vienna.

Note the question marks. They are on their site. I guess they don't know enough to understand what their organization does for Vienna?

http://www.viennava.gov/Town_Info/historic.htm

They really have convinced themselves that pictures, audio, video is a means of intimidation. They have told their people that any of this is meant to harm and scare you. Just curious, how long has the little sign about "no pictures" been in the Freeman House and for what reason? It's not like this is the Smithsonian.

Hmmm... How do you record History without taking pictures and video tape? Don't those Mayo books include historical photographs? Making money using others' photographs is okay ... but don't take any more! Does he pay royalties? The Freeman Store is full of photographs... the sign must refer to patrons paying for photos and not the physical act of photography!

JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF MAUDE'S, JANE'S AND LAINE'S ARROGANT, DICTATORIAL ATTITUDES IN PUBLIC SPACE AND PUBLIC EXPENSE.

Okay, I can see someone randomly walking in and taking pictures of that old building, but when it is the same couple of people who go around snapping photo's of a group of people they intend to drive to distraction, simply because they have an Axe to grind over "PAST" personal incidents, I can see why when they see you coming with your camera "AGAIN" that they might first give you the opportunity to leave, and then when you do not...well you leave them no choice but to involve the police. If you expect anyone to believe that you were just there for the knowledge...well most of know better. And for those who do not know...here is a piece of advice...unless you too want your every move taped, photographed and much more...Do not get on the bad side of this Jr. paparazzi! Or should we say stalker???

It is interesting to note that the Freeman Store does allow some people to take photos, and demand that others not.

If you enter through the front door, you will not readily see any sign prohibiting the taking of photographs. Their small sign is curiously and deliberately placed out of the way, on a window that is not clearly seen or identified, so that Lane Hyde can pick and chose who gets to take pictures.

Why?

Inconsistent? Yes. Rules on the fly? Why, yes. This is the same way the TOV has survived for years. That way they can pick and chose who gets to live here, or go to school here, or start a business here. Sounds like selective discrimination.

It is selective discrimination. If you are black, watch out, you may be selectively asked to leave the Freeman Store. If you happen to be taking pictures to see if they display any prominent books written by important and famous African Americans, watch out. If you are on their Undesirable (McCarthy-like) Hate List, watch out.

The Freeman Store is racist, and practices selective discrimination on the fly.

>>well you leave them no choice but to involve the police.

For taking pictures that make the clubhouse look cute and fun to visit. Historic Vienna, Inc. could learn something here and polish up their own website with some pictures. Maybe a cut in their Town subsidy would motivate the club to focus more on their mission and less on people taking pictures of their historic clubhouse. Smile folks... it's just a picture of you doing your thing on public property at tax payer expense! Why the uncomfortable looks and hiding from the camera? If there is honor in your purpose, stand proud and smile!

Some people are excepted, now doesn't that sound familiar?

Regarding: unless you too want your every move taped, photographed and much more...Do not get on the bad side of this Jr. paparazzi! Or should we say stalker???

Don't be kidding yourself if you think any of you guys are worth photographing at the level of importance or popularity of a paprazzi's subjects! I applaud this site and whatever gets published here, because, as we all know, Trompeter is clueless and a laughing stock as a reporter, and if this is the only site in town that brings us the newsprint, photos, and video that needs to be spread to allow us to know what these TOV chumps are up to, than they need to be supported not challenged, unless you think that free press is wrong, and if you think that, like the TOV mayor Seeman does, you are part of the problem.

The fuss about the picture taking I think is overblown. I can understand if they don’t want people taking pictures of the interior if it is meant to prevent photographing some of the artwork and old photos which are for sale. With the right angle and camera you could reproduce them at will. I can only assume this is the case. I doubt it has anything to do with preventing this site or anyone else from photographing their stock of books or even the folks there. I’ll grant you that calling the police over the issue was a little over reaction too but I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. If there is a posted sign about 'no photography' I think you should respect that.

I’ve been told to stop photographing places in the Reston Towne Center area and other places before. This was usually due to security concerns (post-9/11). You are also not allowed to use flash photography in our national museums out of concerns for the artwork. Not that these are directly relevant but I’m saying there are reasons people aren’t allowed to use cameras inside buildings other than some mass conspiracy.

And who cares that you found a book which they don't stock? There are books on the slave trade out there that aren’t in Patrick Henry either but that doesn’t mean Fairfax County is trying to cover up something or pretend slavery didn’t exist. The Freeman store isn’t very big so I’m sure there are a bunch of books they don’t stock.

And for those who do not know...here is a piece of advice...unless you too want your every move taped, photographed and much more...Do not get on the bad side of this Jr. paparazzi! Or should we say stalker???

Please tell me about all these events where people get stalked? Public town council meetings? Public buildings? Public events? Public debates? Is this "stalker" breaking into homes to take pictures of town council sleeping?

My son's preschool teacher had her camera on her every day last year taking pictures of the kids. Little did I know she was just a stalker. Quick - someone call the Vienna cops!

That a boy "Frank". Taking pictures of book covers from 3-4 ft away would allow the duplication of those books. Want to rethink that moronic comment?

This is a subjective rule designed by the historic losers in this Town to harass those they feel like harassing. Nothing more, nothing less. Where is the written no pictures policy? Meaning where is the logic that established it? Who voted? When?

Thanks for the pep talk.

I never said taking pictures 3' to 4' away would allow duplication of the books. I said you might be able to duplicate some of the old photos and artwork they have for sale in the store by taking photos of them (ie close range). That isn’t a stretch or 'moronic.'

I don’t think posting a ‘no photographs’ sign is subjective. You can argue why the rule exists all you want but there is nothing subjective about this. I also don’t see how this is ‘harassing’ you by preventing everyone, not just you, from taking pictures in the store. I grant you I don’t see the value of preventing cameras in the store. I just think you are drawing conclusions on things that are not black/white (no pun intended).

This government, which has attempted to ban the video-taping of meetings, which refuses to broadcast their meetings on cable, which regularly produces subjective and inaccurate minutes for their meetings, which has often refused to even create minutes for work sessions, which regularly has their Council members and Board members hide their faces from cameras (where else is that done in the County?) and now that same government institutes a policy with no reason, rationale or vote to ban the use of cameras within a government building...and you "Frank" think that is appropriate?

Well, Frank, good for you.

Regarding Franks Comments: I never said taking pictures 3' to 4' away would allow duplication of the books. I said you might be able to duplicate some of the old photos and artwork they have for sale in the store by taking photos of them (ie close range). That isn’t a stretch or 'moronic.'

The issue over artwork is baseless. There is nothing in there that is worth photographing for reproduction. I agree with a no camera policy in a art museum, but you have to be stupid to think that the Freeman Store even comes close to that definition.

So for the newly informed readers over this issue, your argument, Frank, is irrelevant. I have witnessed several other people being allowed to take pictures throughout the Freeman Store never being asked to leave. I can even give you their names and addresses. SO your argument that they are preventing everyone is a lie, Frank. Know your facts before you print.

The reason the sign is out of the way, is so they Can selectively pick and chose, who they let take pictures.

Re: Why the uncomfortable looks and hiding from the camera? If there is honor in your purpose, stand proud and smile!

Hear, hear!

Plus, can I add, while Rome is burning, all you guys do is complain about the messengers?

The suggestion that someone would photograph items on sale for reproduction purposes lacks credibility. If one wanted to commercially reproduce any item they simply have to purchase it. Regarding the calling of the police: Any contact with the police is dangerous. They carry guns. One never knows how a situation could escalate. Speak softly and carry a Maud Stick.

Frank on the surface it may not matter if the Freeman House has a certain book. You are right "so what". Taken separately each of these posts on HV could be viewed as "so what" (and that is what their talking points would want us to believe). The truth however is that it is all connected. For example in a trial each piece of evidence standing alone may not mean much, but put it together and you have a conviction! So the question really is: when do we as the citizens of Vienna stop saying so what?

Darn that guy looks familiar. Is he Tom Brokaw?