From: "Roy Ostenso" <dchs@dunnhistory.org> Subject: RE: Museum visitor sign in log and donation container Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 14:13:52 -0500 Message-ID: <013501c9e3b6$4456ebf0$cd04c3d0$@org>
We use an 10" acrylic cube in our lobby next to the guest book. We had it
custom made by Kreative Acrylics , Golden Valley MN 55422, contact: Bruce
Krietzman (763) 231-0385.
Roy S. Ostenso, President
Dunn County Historical Society
1820 Wakanda ST
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-232-8685
Mobile:715-505-1110
From: localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu
[mailto:localhistory-request@listserve.uwec.edu] On Behalf Of Don Jensen
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 11:58 AM
To: localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu
Subject: Re: Museum visitor sign in log and donation container
Donation container -- Transparent, perhaps a fishbowl with slotted cover,
or a specially made clear plastic box with slot. Locate near entrance but
where it can be easily observed by attendant stationed near door.
Transparent, and prime the donations with a number of $1 bills and a few $5s
or more. Visitors need to see that others have and do contribute when they
enter, which encourages them to follow suit or feel like a cheapskate.
Place a sign to encourage the appropriate donation, such as "Suggested
donation: $2 per person, or $5 per family." Include on the sign something
like "The XX Museum is supported entirely by donations from visitors like
you. We are a not-for-profit civic organization not supported by tax
revenues. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated so we may continue
to preserve and interpret the history of XX" If you do get some funding
from a city, village or country, you can modify the wording to substitute
"largely" for "entirely," and noted that only 5% or 10% or whatever of your
revenues come from a grant from the governmental body.
Many people wrongly believe historical museums are already fully supported
by tax money.
You want to clearly convey the idea that 1. you need the money and 2. while
a donation is not required it is the right thing to do and that most other
people do contribute.and they SHOULD TOO. The subtle sense of a donation
being expected from a conscientious citizen should be conveyed by the sign.
-Don Jensen
----- Original Message -----
From: Russell Hanson <mailto:riverroadrambler@gmail.com>
To: localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:01 PM
Subject: Museum visitor sign in log and donation container
What do you have visitors enter on their sign in log at your museum. We
talked to a professsional fund raiser who said that capturing "follow-up"
information and then using it to solicit volunteers, donations, was a very
good way to get a list of people who were interested.
Do you ask about interests, suggestions etc. Right now we are mostly using
it to count people through the door.
What works good for a donation container. Our old red-wing crock with a
wood top and slot definitely does not work. Do you have a sign that says
something about donating? A handout at the donation spot?
Thanks Russ Hanson
Luck Area Historical Society -- Our Museum is just finishing the first year.
Our current temporary exhibit is History of Photography and we are moving to
School history next.