Having served as a staff member, board member, and volunteer with
several museums over the years, I think that one of the most basic (but
often overlooked) issues a new museum should tackle is their mission
statement.  A good mission statement (one that provides a vision and
some parameters and perhaps an audience) will clear up and avoid
countless misunderstandings between trustees, staff, donors, and the
public.  But, again, I stress it has to be a solid mission statement
(not the vague "promote and preserve history for charitable and
educational purposes")--I suggest Peter Drucker's recent book "Managing
the Non-Profit Organization" (Harper Collins) for ideas on tackling this
issue (and many others).

Max van Balgooy
Homestead Museum
Industry, California


Diane Forsberg wrote:
>
> I ve been asked to participate on a panel at the GAMG (Georgia Association
> of Museums and Galleries) conference in Savannah next week.  The topic is
> basics for new museums.  There are three presenters and only an hour and a
> half, and I m having a difficult time decided what to include and what to
> leave out.  I m not sure if participants will be contemplating starting new
> museums or working at museums that have only been open a few years.
> Collections and Exhibits will be discussed by another presenter.  I could
> just hand out an outline on everything and pick an choose from the menu
> based on the interests of the group when I get there, but it would be
> helpful to hear from people planning or working at new museums before I go
> to Savannah.  Do you want to talk about mission statements, fundraising,
> start-up or operating costs,  building a museum, renovating  an historic
> building, community support, recruiting the right board members?  The list
> could go on and on.   New museum people  let me know what your questions and
> issues are.
>
> Diane Forsberg
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