I don't have any specific data on this subject, but I am a big supporter for the inclusion of children in visiting museums. I feel that themes, programs, exhibits, and the overall learning experience of museums should take into account young children. My son is almost four years old and visually impaired to some extent. He is getting to an age where children's programs and exhibits will interest him if they also cater to a younger age group. Why shouldn't young children be included? They definitely should. I think it is a great idea. I also feel that young children with special needs should be considered when a museum is developing themes, exhibits and programs. My son is not, by far, the one of few children with special needs. I challenge museums to rise to this task. Believe me, when I show up at a museum, or call, I always inquire what types of programs and exhibits they have that my son would enjoy and learn from. I am a regular museum visitor and a museum professional. I want my boy to gain a healthy interest and respect for museums. Many museums do have interesting activities and learning experiences for children, but it is a shame when the only thing a museum can offer my son (or any young child)is the opportunity to push elevator buttons- and he enjoys this activity more than I care to admit! Thanks, Arlyn Danielson -----Original Message----- From: Tom Hanchett [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 9:13 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Children in the mix? Our museum is debating audience development strategies. Does anyone know of data on the relative importance of children as part of the potential museum-going population? What do you lose if you do NOT go after children and youth? Have experts written about this? We are especially interested in history museums. Tom Hanchett, Levine Museum of the New South [log in to unmask] ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).