Closed
First time I went to Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Az., to see Lowell's telescope, I chose the wrong day.
Next time, I pulled rank - fixed up a planetary science talk, wowed the audience, met the staff and had the private tour. (but I had to come on the day of their choice, still!)
It's worth persisting, and assisting.
You only get one chance in life, but the same is true for the rest of the world out there. Let's barter our skills and experiences...