The subject of using historic sites for functions (weddings, party's bar
mitzvahs, whatever) has been the subject of a couple of sessions at AASLH
conferences.  The latest n in Baltimore had a session that included the
input of the manager of a historic house (not currently a museum so it has
no collections to protect, but the manager was once functions coordinator at
the Baltimore Museum of Industry as well as a curator and is a Wintertur
Fellow so she has a lot to add in regard to collections care during events)
a caterer who works a lot in historic buildings and the functions
coordinator at The Peabody Library in Baltimore. By all accounts it was a
great session that focused on the mechanics o renting your property, not a
discussion of whether you should or not.  This was a session for those who
had already made the decision.  The aforementioned Historic House manager
can be reached through their web site at cloisterscastle.com. I am sure she
would be glad to answer questions if you are patient.  The B&O Railroad
Museum also makes a load of money off its one-of-a-kind roundhouse. So much
so they have a full time employee who does nothing but rent the thing out.
(See event this year at AAM) She can be reached at 410/752-2463.  The
Baltimore Museum of Industry just built a wonderful picnic pavilion on the
waterfront as well as their historic oyster cannery to rent.  Their
functions coordinator (a position I once held their briefly) can be reached
at 410/727-4808. I have also worked as house manager at both BMI and the
Cloisters for years to earn some extra scratch (I worked both Will Smith's
and Yaphet Koto's wedding at the Cloisters) and I have a boat load of ideas,
warnings, suggestions, and procedures if you want to send me specific
questions either on or off list.

It can be a wonderful way to raise money and the profile of your historic
house or property, but it is not for everybody and you must weigh the pros
and cons carefully.

Thanks for your time.


--
Matthew White

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