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Date: | Thu, 15 Jun 2000 09:04:13 -0400 |
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Dear Museum Colleagues:
I am asking for your help and insight in explaining the value our work to
some people less directly involved. Our CEO has asked me to help prepare a
memo for some of our trustees, as I will explain.
Our institution includes both a research library/archive and a museum
(including exhibits, museum education programs serving thousands --
primarily school students, with some adults --each year, and public programs
(films, lectures, ethnic music or other cultural programs.)
I am to prepare a brief memo on the value of the museum-related programs
[museum exhibits and collections, museum education, public programs] to the
institution and community. Of course, as the word "value" can also hint at,
there is also a budget/financial piece of this question. Some program areas
bring in money (museum education in particular, which also brings in
something like 85% of our audience) although it may not cover the staff and
other direct program costs. My sense in general is that in small and medium
museums and institutions programs/admissions fees don't cover expenses.
Some trustees are connected to the museum/program area. Some are relatively
new and don't have strong feelings that I know of. And a few trustees are
attracted to the model of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (formerly a
museum and research library/archive) which a couple of years ago closed its
museum and redefined itself solely as a research library/archive,
transferred its thousands of artifacts to another museum, and decided to
(theoretically) limit "exhibits" to display of selected documents or
materials about the HSP itself.
And I need to have this memo in early next week! Your thoughts on
explaining these issues to those with a less direct connection will be
helpful.
Thanks!
Robert Tabak
Director of Programs
Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies
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