We use one at VMNH and children love it.  My own child has a collection of
these pennies - using the machine is now a little ritual when she comes to
see me at work.  The machine imprints the museum logo on the penny.  It's
just another kind of souvenir to remind people of their visit.  I don't see
that it is any different from bumper stickers, posters, pens, key chains,
or lapel pins with a museum logo.  The penny machine at least has the added
benefit of being able to watch the machine in action.  Gears at work are
fascinating stuff for little ones.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore, Curator
Virginia Museum of Natural History
1001 Douglas Avenue
Martinsville, VA  24112
[log in to unmask]

----------
> From: Ross Weeks Jr. <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Survey - Pressed Penny Machine Users
> Date: Monday, February 23, 1998 9:21 PM
>
> The question MUST be asked, WHY????
>
> I see them in the rest/fast food stops along turnpikes.  Why on earth
would
> a museum want them???  Next step -- video arcades?
>
>
> ----------
> > From: Mulanax, Robin K <[log in to unmask]>
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Survey - Pressed Penny Machine Users
> > Date: Monday, February 23, 1998 11:17 AM
> >
> >      Our institution is considering the installation of pressed penny
> >      machines.  These machines charge fifty cents and a penny, then
press
> >      the penny with the site's logo.  If your institution uses these
> >      machines, please complete the following survey.  Your input will
be
> >      greatly appreciated.
> >
> >      Please return this survey directly to me at the following
location:
> >
> >      Robin Mulanax
> >      State Historical Society of North Dakota
> >      612 E. Boulevard
> >      Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
> >      [log in to unmask]
> >      fax: (701)328-3710
> >
> >
> >      What type of museum are you?
> >
> >      Are you publicly or privately funded?
> >
> >      How many people visit each year?
> >
> >      What is the typical profile of your visitors?  Are they school
> >      children, families, older adults, or a broad spectrum?
> >
> >      How many pressed penny machines does your institution possess?
> >
> >      How long has your institution used pressed penny machines?
> >
> >      Which vendor do you use?
> >
> >      On the average, how many times each month does the pressed penny
> >      machine require maintenance?
> >
> >      What is the profit margin on these machines (estimated)?
> >
> >      What symbol is used for the pressed penny?
> >
> >      Please add any comments you wish.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >      Many thanks for your time and for the information!