You might check with any local natural history museums if you've got one anywhere close by. My sister in law is a naturalist - she's worked at a few places, and they're always happy to get good mounts for display. If that's not an option - maybe a school, library, or VFW post.
Just a few options off the top of my head.
I'm pretty young yet, but i look at my shop and know full well that it could be a huge cumbersome thing for someone else to deal with if they didn't have the interest. I think it would be neet if my kids were interested and able to use the stuff when i'm pushing daisies, but that just might not be the case. I also see it a bit in my Dad, who's still very active and creative into his middle 70's, but sees his shop with a bit of the same sentiment. I know of the 5 of his kids, 3 of us would be thrilled to take in some tools when the time comes. I'd gladly get rid of some of my current stuff to make room for his - especially the things he's made or inherited from his Dad. For the other 2 kids, though, the best they could do would be to mothball things and shift them around as they moved or needed the space for something else.
It's a bit sad, of course, but the practicality of dealing with large or heavy things (i've literally got tons of cast iron in my shop) can be a lot to ask if someone doesn't have the interest, space, or ability to deal with things.
I'm a sentimentalist and value history, but am also a bit of a minimalist (believe it or not) trying to keep the pile of posessions down to what i need or enjoy using. I think long and hard before keeping something just for the sake of having it. I can generally find appropriate homes for things that might fall into that category. There's always someone out there who needs or could use something i might have that's extra. It's been my experience that folks are genuinely appreciative.
paulh
