One thing that you might consider is to hold genealogical lectures for a fee at a discount to the members. You could either share a portion of the fee with the lecturer or allow him/her to sell their books (or offer their services) at the event. If you have people who are willing to put in the work, putting out a quarterly journal about items in the museum and/or about the genealogical information there for members might also be of help to you.
Cynthia McDaniel
-----Original Message-----
From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Susan Swindell
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 10:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VA-ROOTS] small museums
I was associated with a county historical society. Basically it is an archive. Members can research for free just having to pay for copies. Non-members can pay an hourly rate of about $25 an hour - it was cheaper to become a member so membership increased. We also do online and mail research. Some items, such as, obits, nationalizations, probates have a set fee while more extensive work is done on an hourly rate plus copies.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Westview" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2015 7:38:54 AM
Subject: small museums
I have a question that is slightly off-topic, but I ask the indulgence of the moderator and hope some listers can weigh in. I am involved with a small museum in Halifax County, VA. We have some wonderful exhibits and an extensive genealogical and research library that contains some items not found elsewhere, as well as access to several on-line genealogical sites. Our problem is, like that of every museum/historical society, money. We are trying to think of things that can be done within the museum (i.e. not grants and such) to bring in some funds. We currently do not charge admission or for use of our research materials. You can become a member for $25-$30, but since we don't charge for anything there is no real incentive to join.
We have discussed making the research room available to members only. Another possibility is to charge non-members a daily fee, perhaps $10-$20, to use the research room. Many of our users are professional researchers who are being paid for their work while using our materials for free. As a researcher, the idea of paying doesn't please me, but as a museum member I see the need to do something.
I know many of you are involved with similar organizations; and we've all visited/used them. I'm open to any suggestions. Since this is off-topic, please contact me privately at [log in to unmask] Thanks!
Kathy in Charlotte County, VA
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Susan
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