Elizabeth, we do encourage the use of our facilities (primarily a
multi-purpose 'barn' that is heated and well lit) for birthday parties.  We
charge $50 ($35 for members) plus cleanup if it's not otherwise handled.
We do this only when the museum is open.  It is not a reliable source of
income, but is important as a community service as we do receive a small
grant from our local government.

Our exhibition galleries are not available for this purpose. We do have one
historic log farmhouse that is capable of handling a small party, and it has
been made available.

We are not involved in any food handling or other arrangements, so health
codes do not pertain.

On occasion, we can arrange a special living history activity (one boy's
parents wanted his friends to learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing) at an
extra cost, depending on materials used and availability of a volunteer for
a modest fee.

Ross Weeks Jr.
Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
Tazewell, Va.
http://histcrab.netscope.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "elizabeth No" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 11:50 AM
Subject: Birthday parties and rentals at history museums


> Hi. I know that when I have mentioned this topic in the past, my
colleagues
> and classmates thought I was insane. But here is my question:
>
> *How many of you out there in history museums allow birthdays at your
> site?
> *What do you charge?
> *What services do you provide?
> *What about liability? Are there health codes you must abide to?
> *Has it been a solid source of revenue?
>
> I would appreciate any and all advice--I would even appreciate "eeks."
> Please respond to the list.
>
> Elizabeth J. Nohra
> Mahoning Valley Historical Society
> Youngstown, OH
> 330-743-2589
>
>
>
>
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