-----Original message-----
From: Heather McClenahan [log in to unmask]
Date: Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:54:57 -0500
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Murky waters

> Listers,
>     We are looking for some advice and help for what we hope is not a  
> unique situation. We are a small historical society that is under  
> contract with the county government to run a museum and archives. The  
> collection belongs to us but is housed in county-owned buildings.  
> Because of space and environmental issues, there is some discussion  
> about building a new archival facility. 

The historic site where I work is owned by the county and has been for nearly 100 years.  The county is under a great deal of pressure financially due to the burden of social service programs  and naturally, my historical society lacks sufficient resources too.  

After many years of blaming each other for site related problems, we are now working in partnership with the county.  This allows us to maximize access to funding for capital improvements since the county is eligible for funds that we can't tap into and vice versa.  We have raised most of the funds needed to complete a master plan for site use and management but the county is contributing financially and has provided use of its resources (such as guidance from their planning staff & engineers).

We have been able to make much more progress using this approach.  It sounds like your organization & the county have a shared need.  You should team up to spread the word to get private donations and work together to identify public funds that you can tap into.  You also can work together to determine what the operating cost of the facility may be and work out a cost sharing and facility access agreement.  Unfortunately, you should expect the county to look to your org. to raise the majority of funds.  One county in PA has a "culture tax" to help fund local museums and other orgs.  That may be worth discussing.  Partnering with the county will not an easy process but I think it is the most logical & effective approach.  

HTH

Starlyn D'Angelo,
Executive Director
Shaker Heritage Society
Albany, NY

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