>My questions to the list  are: do other museums and cultural institutions
>notice a decrease in field trips because of funding?

Yes, we see a decrease in attendance from schools situated closely enough
to the museum that  students are likely to have made family visits. Schools
situated beyond a 20-mile radius are more likely to visit this museum and
pay for additional programming than those nearby. We charge $1.25 per
person for 40 minute program and yes, we make money.

> What about senior groups like retirement homes, etc?

Presenters travel to local retirement homes to deliver museum programs.
Many of these participants could not travel easily. We charge a minimum
program fee and do not make a profit.

Touring seniors, on the other hand, visit this museum regularly as a stop
on their way to the country music show town to our south, Branson,
Missouri, and they pay admission to the museum. We haven't tried to do any
additional programming for this audience. This museum is not enough of a
draw to bring seniors in on their own, but we are a worthy stop on the way
to a greater destination. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce,
undoubtedly committed to bringing such tours to your town. >

>Mike Teskey
> http://www.csn.net/~tesk  (still getting finished, but some stuff is there)
__________________
Jama Gabbert
University of Kansas Natural History Museum
602J Dyche Hall
Lawrence KS  66045
913 864-4173
913 864-5335 fax
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