John: There are over 8,000 museums in the U.S. today...I understand the
percentage of growth is tapering off today. Before the 90's there was
one born almost every day!  AAM has more statistics on this. The economy
has changed and some small museums are beginning to merge...it is a
slightly different picture.  Somehow,in spite of financial constraints,
museums seem to be thriving,either on new resources or pure ingenuity.
Jane Glaser