ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Christy,
        Each community is different... much depends on what
other museums of offerings there are that compete with you.
If you are the only place in town for families, they are likely to
become members and make it a regular family visiting place.
If there are lots of other things in town they might be less
likely.
        One thing to be careful about is building expectations
based on first year numbers.  Many museums experience a
serge during their first year since they are something new for
folks to try out, but the numbers drop in the second year...
        To help avoid this you need some aspect of the museum
that will be new for returning visitors and that you can promote
to bring them back.  This way they won't feel like..."we've already
done that, lets go someplace else."

David

David Taylor
AHHA Museum Services
  "Now I Understand"
    (206) 363-8126
   e-mail:   [log in to unmask]
http://www.AHHA-MuseumServices.com
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> From: Christy Hostetler <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: ideal membership/admission ratio
>
> As a new museum we have better than expected membership numbers. While
> pleased with the community commitment to our institution, we are watching
> our income through admissions decline. I am wondering if other institutions
> (especially small museums such as ours) are wrestling with this and if there
> is an appropriate balance between admission rates/numbers and membership
> rates/numbers. Our annual attendance last year was 40,000 and we have almost
> 2,000 members. Generally on an average day members make up over 60% of our
> visitors. Our admission rates are $7.50 adults/$5 children and our basic
> family membership starts at $45.
>
> I would appreciate any insight or thoughts on this.
> Thanks!
>
> Christy Wallace Hostetler
> Executive Director
> ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
> Ashland, OR  97520

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