Thank you to everyone who responded! The general price point you're suggesting seems more in line with what I had envisioned, but I know my Board is disappointed that we can't do a drop-off program this summer (they waited too long to propose such a thing, and it's too late for DOH permits etc to be filed.) which I believe partially explains the $20 fee. We don't have the resources -- people or material -- to offer much beyond a 1-2 hour session, and this is a first run, all of which seem to indicate we should offer lower cost programs.
 
Many thanks,
Kirsten
----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Valerie Albanese
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 12:49 PM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] FW: [MUSEUM-L] Summer Programming - Cost?

Hi Kirsten,

At our small historic house site we recently began leading out-of-school programs for children/families too. Program length is about 1–2 hours and we charge $5; members $3. So far we’ve held these programs in the afternoon (no additional cost to provide lunch). Materials are pretty minimal for these art make-and-take activities and we only have one staff person supporting the program.

It might also be worth noting in January we kicked-off a school vacation drop-off program in which we currently charge $30 for a single-day sessions and $125 for week-long sessions (with member discounts). Program runs approximately five hours per day and a morning and afternoon snack are included (lunch is not provided).

Hope this helps in your planning. I’d be happy to share further information, feel free to contact me.

Best,

Valerie

Valerie Albanese-Fraher

Education Director

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park

Bronx, New York 10464

 

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cindy Boyer <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, Jun 14, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Summer Programming - Cost?
To: [log in to unmask]


Kirsten, is this an activity that the parents will do with their children, or are they leaving them in your care?

How many children do you anticipate you can accommodate for each session?  What are your expenses - both materials and staff?

While there may not be another house museum in your area, I think its also important to consider what parents pay for their kids to go to a movie, go to a children's entertainment restaurant (like Chuckie Cheese) or to play miniature golf.

We charge $5 per child only when it is a defined group - a class or a camp - and I know there will be at least $100 coming in.  For non reservation events, we charge $7 or $8 - but put a cap on it with a family charge of $12.  That is for an event with no craft activity, but does include complimentary popcorn.

It's a delicate balance to attract an audience (especially if this is a new thing) and not break your budget doing it.

Cindy Boyer
Director of Museums and Education
The Landmark Society of Western New York
133 S. Fitzhugh St.
Rochester NY  14608
(585) 546-7029 ext. 12
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Fax:  (585) 546-4788
 
The Landmark Society:  Revitalizing Yesterday, Protecting Today, and Planning for Tomorrow

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-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dollie Boyd
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 10:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Summer Programming - Cost?

I agree with you, that price is a little steep. We typically charge $5 per child with one parent/guardian free for a 1.5 hour program with at least one activity where they make a take home craft or art work. We do not provide lunch. Have them bring a sack lunch and cut down on your cost and hassle. Do you have supplies and materials on hand or will you have to go out and buy a bunch of stuff to make this happen?

Always happy to share info and ideas with other historic house museums, my contact is below. Good luck!


Dollie Boyd
Manager of School Programs
Doak House Museum
Tusculum College
423-636-8554
1-800-729-0256 ext. 5251
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kirsten Teasdale
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 10:03 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Summer Programming - Cost?

We're planning on offering some children's activities this summer and I was
wondering what other museums charge for similar activities. We're a small
historic house museum, so these will not be on a particularly grand scale,
and will likely last 1-2 hours each. The activities will be in a 2 week
rotation, with the first week consisting of a scavenger hunt, a portrait
painting workshop, an open fire cooking workshop + lunch, and an 18th
century herb garden + planting workshop, and the second week consisting of a
"behind the scenes" museum tour, a pottery making workshop, an outdoor games
+ kite making workshop, and a candle dipping workshop.

My Board thinks $20 per activity ($75 for a package of 4) is a fair price,
but I say this is steep for what's being offered. What is a good price
point, in your experience?

Many thanks,
Kirsten

----------------------------
Kirsten Teasdale
Education Director, The Conference House Association
Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 718-984-0415
Fax: 718-984-7760

The Conference House Park
298 Satterlee Street
Staten Island, NY 10307
http://www.conferencehouse.org/

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