[PRCo] Re: MUSEUM MUSINGS

[Edward H. Lybarger]

It might not hurt to expand a bit on Fred's very accurate last sentence.  I
don't think any museum can live on its gate alone.  Additional funding
sources are required.  But they're a lot easier to find if you have programs
and events aimed at the public.  We all enjoy our non-profit status because
of our educational mission, but showing the visitors who drop by how much we
enjoy our hobby isn't going to provoke government or foundation grants.
Outreach and interpretation do.

-----Original Message-----
From: pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org
[mailto:pittsburgh-railways-bounce at lists.dementia.org]On Behalf Of Fred
W. Schneider III
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 9:00 AM
To: pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org
Subject: [PRCo] Re: MUSEUM MUSINGS



This does not surprise me at all.  Strasburg Rail Road gate doubles or
more on those days.  PTM derives a very substantial part of its business
from Santa, Pumpkins, the County Fair and other events at the fair
grounds.  This should make it very clear that railfans are miles away
from the main source of support of these "museums."  If left to the
railfans, we'd all be out of business. You should also observe that it
is the facilities that cater to events for the general public that are
financially healthy.

Bob Rathke wrote:
>
> Don't hold me - just yet - to this statistic, but I believe that over an
> operating season, IRM gets about 30% of its gate receipts from the several
> days each August when Thomas the Tank Engine appears there.  I can confirm
> this stat if anyone needs the exact number.
>
> Bob 10/24/01
>
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "ROGER Jenkins" <ROGERTROLLY at webtv.net>
> To: <pittsburgh-railways at dementia.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 1:17 PM
> Subject: [PRCo] Re: MUSEUM MUSINGS
>
> >
> > QUE. 2 : YOU NEED MONEY TO MAKE NEW  [sorry but cap key sticks]  battery
> > box doors as old ones were too far bent out of shape to repair.  And no
> > I don't dislike steam engines but when funds are short for repairs of
> > trolleys or steam , trolley repair takes a back seat at OERM .  tHOMAS
> > THE TANK ENGINE is slated to come to Perris in 2002 . So many people
> > show up for it that facilities are taxed to the limit where it has
> > appeared back east.
> > ;
> >
> >