Hi,
For us educational programs are the core "value"  - that is learning is valuable. It translates into money through our Development program. Donors are most highly motivated to support education.
Greg Koos
McLean County Museum of History
Bloomington Illinois

Robert Tabak wrote:

> Dear Museum Colleagues:
> I am asking for your help and insight in explaining the value our work to
> some people less directly involved.  Our CEO has asked me to help prepare a
> memo for some of our trustees, as I will explain.
>
> Our institution includes both a research library/archive and a museum
> (including exhibits, museum education programs serving thousands --
> primarily school students, with some adults --each year, and public programs
> (films, lectures, ethnic music or other cultural programs.)
>
> I am to prepare a brief memo on the value of the museum-related programs
> [museum exhibits and collections, museum education, public programs]  to the
> institution and community.  Of course, as the word "value" can also hint at,
> there is also a budget/financial piece of this question.  Some program areas
> bring in money (museum education in particular, which also brings in
> something like 85% of our audience) although it may not cover the staff and
> other direct program costs.  My sense in general is that in small and medium
> museums and institutions programs/admissions fees don't cover expenses.
>
> Some trustees are connected to the museum/program area.  Some are relatively
> new and don't have strong feelings that I know of.  And a few trustees are
> attracted to the model of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (formerly a
> museum and research library/archive) which a couple of years ago closed its
> museum and redefined itself solely as a research library/archive,
> transferred its thousands of artifacts to another museum, and decided to
> (theoretically) limit "exhibits" to display of selected documents or
> materials about the HSP itself.
>
> And I need to have this memo in early next week!   Your thoughts on
> explaining these issues to those with a less direct connection will be
> helpful.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Robert Tabak
> Director of Programs
> Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).