We (the Oregon Heritage Commission) annually collect data from about one-third of Oregon's heritage institutions.  Preliminary analysis of our information collected for 2001 shows a drop in visitation for that one-third.  The relevant figures are 1.8-million for 1999, 1.7 million for 2000, and 1.1-million for 2001.  Although the year-to-year comparisons are not exact because some of the reporting institutions change each year, the 2001 figures seem to indicate a significant decline in attendance although 2001 figures hours open, volunteer hours, and operating/capital expenditures do not vary significantly from 1999 and 2000.

I'd be interested to know if a similar decline in attendance has been found for either statistically or anecdotally at other heritage facilities in the United States.

William S. Hanable
Manager, Oregon Heritage Commission
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