Over the last year or so that I have been a member of this List, I've seen a
number of discussions about the financial status/support for museums.  Being
a collections type, I ignored them; after all, I don't have to worry about
that end of the business.

I've learned today that the Board of Directors of our parent organization
may be making a move in their May board meeting to close down our Museum.
One of the arguments being made, by and to a group of people with no museum
experience, is that the museum isn't "making money" and therefore should be
shut down.  That we are a non-profit, charitable organization seems beyond
these folks concern; they all think that our gate receipts, cafeteria and
gift shop should at least cover our operating budget.

What I need, and quickly, is information from as many different museums as
possible concerning what percentage of the annual operating budget is
covered by income.  Any references to published studies, or anectodal,
one-museum-at-a-time information would be welcome.

Please reply off-list, so that I don't clog up the list with what may be
repeat information.  Thank you all in advance!

Richard White, Curator
International Wildlife Museum

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