I've worked in two museums with volunteer/friends groups and seen good
and bad. In one place the volunteers were involved enough to completely
organize and exhibition.  In the other they seemed to be at odds with
the museum, suggesting selling parts of the collection to raise money.
I suggest you add this question to yours, what will be the roll of the
Friends and how will it interact with the decisions made by the board
and staff?  If its self governing this is important as they will be
raising funds for their own support and yours.  Defining who gets what
in the beginning is a good idea.
I'm looking forward to the answers myself.

Cheryl Brookshear
Historic Preservation
CRM

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