Our totally-county supported historic sites revisited this issue 3 years
ago.  We had always been told we could not charge for anything other
than workshops where the participants went home with materials.  But we
did start to add "suggested donation $2 per person" signs near our
donations jars and in our literature and publicity.  It has made a big
difference in the amount of donations collected, although not up to $2
per person, it still helps.  

The timing with the recession also pointed out the value of having free
things that families could do and go to, and we think reinforced an
appreciation for these local resources, for both the local residents who
are paying for them with their tax dollars, and the visitors from out of
the area that come and spend money locally.

Ella Aderman
Pennypacker Mills

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Casandra Karl
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 10:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Admission pros and cons

Hello all!

I recently had a discussion with the Director of a small local
historical museum regarding the pros and cons of charging an admission
fee to museum visitors (she casually asked for my opinion and it turned
into a *huge* discussion).  She argued that charging admission would
reduce visitorship and not really generate much income anyway (I
actually agree with the second point somewhat).  I argued that charging
a small amount (say $2) would increase the perceived value of the
experience and give the museum a bargaining chip by offering "free
admission" to members or for special days or events.  

Does your museum charge admission?  What factors influenced the decision
of whether or not to charge admission at your institution?  If you can
cite evidence/resources to back-up your position, that would be helpful
as well.  

Thank you.

-Cass

=========================================================
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).