Open Forum

Hello,

I am looking for information/support from anyone who has transitioned their museum from a for-profit to a non-profit.  How did you train your staff, change your culture/thinking etc.?  Anyone who can point me in the direction of a seminar, webinar, slide presentation or consultant that has done this would be helpful.

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Rebecca Diamond
Director of Development
International Spy Museum
Washington DC
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Certainly Premier Exhibitions, with its Titanic and Bodies exhibitions, is among the leaders in for-profit exhibitions.  I can't think of any for-profit that became a non-profit, but I sure am interested to see what you learn.  Will advise if I learn something else.

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George Wachtel
President
Audience Research & Analysis
New York NY
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This Museum transitioned from a Government operation to a non-profit over time successfully. That is not quite the profit to non-profit model but many issues that you are seeking guidance on are very similar. Issues such as culture, financial arrangement, board governance, community engagement, staff training and compensation levels will have reasonable parallels in the comparison. The National Museum f Nuclear Science & History has been used as a transition model for several other government (federal) operated museums into non-profit. As the Director for 19 years, I would be willing to talk further with you if it would be of assistance.

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James Walther
Executive Director
National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
Albuquerque NM
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