Cheryl Brookshear wrote:

> I would recommend contacting AASLH.  They work with many small institutions and may have the statistics you are looking for.
>

Currently, we do not have statistics on that information, but are working to achieve data of that nature.  I think some very valid arguments have already been made regarding the need for closed hours.  You need to stress to the board that there is much more to do to run a
museum/historical society than opening the doors and helping visitors along.  Let your board know that exhibits and programs require research and planning, that someone has to do the work that keeps the museum going like paying bills, dealing with sales tax and bank deposits (if you
have a gift shop), responding to correspondence when researchers ask what you have available on John Smith from your community, write a newsletter, etc.

Though handing your board members a sign-up sheet to volunteer may not be the most tactful way of letting them know there are not enough hands around, you need to make them  aware of what you have to do with the time and staff available.  Maybe you could invite a board member to sit
in with you one day to see what you have to do and how you need to concentrate on your work without having to constantly greet visitors, talk to them about your facility, and/or show them around.

From my experience working at a local museum, a state historical society that kept track of local museums and know with AASLH, it is very common for museums with a very small staff to only be open a couple of days a week, making exceptions for school groups, large tours, etc.

As a previous poster put it, you don't want to sacrifice quality for quantity.

Harry Klinkhamer
Program Officer
AASLH

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