I would also be interested in hearing from people who work in museums etc
that 'Friends organisations', particularly:

how you canvas,
what you think motivates people to join,
what they get for their subscription fees,
how it is run,
how the friends relate to the museum management structure,
what the museum benefits from the organisation,
if you think it is generally a good idea,
any advice on good or bad points for a small museum considering starting
one?

thanks very much,
Jane