1.  How important is your museum's mission statement to what you do on an
everyday basis?

        Very Important

2.  In your estimation, does your museum's mission statement accurately
reflect the actual practices of your institution? If yes, how?  If no, why
not?

        Yes.  It keeps us on track; it serves as a constant reminder to the Board
of what our mission is so they don't send us in different directions.

3.  Does your mission statement get translated in different ways by
different departments, or do you feel because of it, your staff is on the
same page?

        It serves to keep us on the same page.

4.  Do you think your public considers your mission statement or is aware
of it in the first place?  How do you think your public knows what your
goals are?

        The public probably doesn't know in specific terms.  If polled they would
probably respond that we collect old things, do exhibits and sponsor
programs.  In fact, our mission statement includes mandates to assist local
historical societies in a variety of ways and to serve as a significant
agent in the economic development activities of the county.  Some local
folks would be aware of the latter responsibilities but not the public in a
general sense.

5.  Has your mission statement changed over the years, or from the one
written by the museum's founders?  Has this change in mission affected the
way in which you interpret?  Do you think new audiences have been
encouraged to attend, and do they?

        Yes, it has changed dramatically.  In the early years the mission was to
restore the courthouse and open it as a museum.  Over the past six years it
has been expand to include the things I mention above.

------
Robert Handy
Brazoria County Historical Museum
100 East Cedar
Angleton, Texas  77515
(409) 864-1208
museum_bob
[log in to unmask]
http://www.bchm.org

----------
From:   Laura Dickstein[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Monday, October 05, 1998 9:28 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        QUERY:  Mission Statements

I am currently conducting research about mission statements and would
appreciate responses to any or all of the following questions.  You may
respond annonomously, on-list or off-list.

I know these are lengthy questions that require some thought.  If you would
rather that I speak to you in person, please feel free to e-mail me your
name, phone number, and name of institution.

Thanks for your help.



*****************************************
Laura J. Dickstein
[log in to unmask]
*****************************************