It depends on how you define "Education Department," and who that
department targets.  If it is kids, then it probably won't be a mercenary
program.  On the other hand, if it is doing a good job, it draws members
and that represents, for most museums, a significant portion of total
income.

In our case, we quit asking for an Education Curator position because
everyone thought we were talking about working with schools and kids when,
in fact, we were talking about those and the out-of-school adult public
(thus "Programs").  In our opinion, "programs" should bring in revenue to a
greater or lesser extent depending on the program.  Our annual Austin Town
Festival is expected eventually, to raise upwards of $50,000.  That's a
program (not a fundraiser) and much of that money will come from sponsors
as well as gate receipts.

Does that help?


------
Robert Handy
Brazoria County Historical Museum
100 East Cedar
Angleton, Texas  77515
(409) 864-1208
museum_bob
[log in to unmask]
http://www.bchm.org

----------
From:   Tanasak Krabuanrat[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Monday, March 08, 1999 3:00 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        income earner

Dear all,
I don't undestand why people see an education department as as income
earner?
Don't they keep their balance and integrity when raising funds from the
public?