I viewed for the first time this week a new American Numismatic Association vehiclefor reaching out to the public. The association has 14 videos on YouTube.

A couple are on the ANA library -- its catalog and how to borrow books -- and acouple were filmed at recent coin shows. However, there are five new videos that aretimely, brief and challenging, encouraging viewers to take part in a Civil Warscavenger hunt.

The association has conscripted officers and staff members to host one-minutevideos. Current theme is the Civil War on its Sesquicentennial, tie-ing in with anobvious exhibit and filmed in the association's exhibit hall. First one was hostedby executive director Larry Shepherd, with others by curator Doug Mudd, pastpresident Ken Bressett, librarian Ryan Scott, and educational director Rod Gillis--all filmed just a few days apart.

The Civil War scavenger hunt is an attempt to attract perhaps non collectors intoacquiring numismatic specimens. The first "clues" reveal some coins that can bedrawn from circulation. It's a game and there are some prizes at the end of theseries.

The videos exhibit the multimedia that many organizations are currently turning tofor reaching tech savvy prospects. There is some creativity exhibited here, both inconcept and context. For this the association should be praised and the participantsbe applauded.

Take a minute -- literally! -- to sample one of the five new videos. Your choice.Click on: Clue #2 - 2011 National Coin Week Civil War Scavenger Hunt(www.youtube.com/watch?v=12M4a-Sb1SU&NR=1)