Mark,
Is there a local skating rink?  if so, why not ask their teaching pro(s) to
do an exhibition (on skates), possibly having their students (who bring
families) demonstrate;  a local skate/in line skate shop might put on a
"how-to repair" clinic or upgrade demos; they also might put on a
demonstration of their skates and capacities; spread the word through kids
at their fav. skating places (muni. plazas, etc.); if you have probs. with
kids skating in certain areas, you might try getting to know those kids and
getting them to do demos for you at the Museum, also the police or who
looks after these areas might suggest your site as a place for these kids
to do stuff - do you want these kids around or do you want just paid
visitors?  you might need to decide what you want your actions to achieve -
paid, free visits, volunteers, school kids, or ?????  to get locals, decide
what will appeal to them - local history of roller rinks, roller derby,
clubs????? and, as we all know, most folks only want to see the same thing
one or two times, so maybe have a small local gallery that changes, giving
them a reason to return.  get on local "news-at-noon" or the "breakfast
show" when shows/exhibits/demonstration are happening; psa to local radio
stations (15 sec. timed delivery script will achieve what a long press
release will not); hope these help.
Linn

MD wrote:

> Any ideas for low cost ways to promote local public interest in the
> National Museum of Roller Skating located in Lincoln, Nebraska?  I'm
> working on a project for a Museum Studies course, and need some ideas
> from museum professionals who are faced with the same challenges we are
> confronted with... a low budget!
>
> Please rsvp...
>
> Mark