Have you thought of going through the MAP III process? MAP III is designed to help museums evaluate their impact on their communities and to determine a communty's perception of a museum. The MAP surveyors offer suggestions on how to improve/change what a museum is doing and how it may be more effective. Information can be attained through AAM. Good luck. Tricia Edwards, Education Manager Delaware Museum of Natural History [log in to unmask] (302)658-9111 x 324 (302)658-2610 fax -----Original Message----- From: Marissa C Weaver [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Saturday, January 02, 1999 6:26 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Need Evaluation Assistance Happy New Year to ALL!! I was wondering if anyone could give some feedback or suggestions on my current dilemma. I have a potential large donor who asked how our museum plans to evaluate our impact and/or effectiveness within our community. This donor is one who is particularly keen on outcome based programs, although his concern is for our mission overall -- not a particular exhibit or program. The mission of our institution, of course, is education. Specifically on African American History and how history has shaped our current racial climate. Our goal is to provide visitors with an opportunity to rethink their assumptions about race and racism -- in hopes of building bridges and improving understanding between all races and ethnicities. Short of pre and post-visit questionaires, how are other institutions evaluating effectiveness (i.e. results) in educating visitors? I'd appreciate any ideas and examples of how others are meeting funding requirements for outcome-based objectives and evaluation components. Thanks for your help. Marissa C. Weaver Executive Director America's Black Holocaust Museum Milwaukee, WI