I should probably clarify a little.  As I stated we are currently funded by the local tourism council.  I guess you could say that we are technically part of them.  The building we are in is also currently owned by the county commissioners but leased by the TC.  The museum itself has a board of directors and we are right now trying to figure out if we are going to break away and become our own independent organization, which we would then apply for 501c(3).  As I type and read comments, I guess I should have worded my question a little better.  How possible, or practical (which is probably a better word), is it to form a friends-like organization that is part of the museum organization? 

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