Open Forum

Our museum is considering creating school memberships for our local schools, and I would be interested in hearing about similar programs at other museums, what works and what doesn't, lesson learned, etc. Any information or thoughts are much appreciated!

Rene Rodgers, Ph.D.

Head Curator

Birthplace of Country Music

t: 423-758-7708 | BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org

Birthplace of Country Music Museum – Open: Tuesday-Sunday

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – September 15–17, 2017

Radio Bristol – Listen live at ListenRadioBristol.org

We have, for quite a few years, had contract relationships with several local school districts.  We propose a flat-fee contract for X# of students in a particular grade (4^th & 7^th Texas History for us).  We then work with the school districts to arrange the scheduling so most tour slots on the calendar are filled.  The districts arrange transportation and interface with the teachers as to the time slots to put on their own calendars to visit the museum.  We charge a per person rate for the tours that is less than if they booked a tour on their own for a classroom.  The fee is based on the # of students in a particular grade + a % increase or decrease (depending on a growing or shrinking district).  We send the proposed contracts out before the budgeting process begins, and we contact the districts to encourage renewal.

This has been an excellent arrangement for all of us.  The museum has predictability so we can arranged to have well-trained docents to give the tours.  The tours are treated as a true learning experience (instead of an end of the year field trip) because many of the students come early in the year-and it can be leveraged in the classroom.  It also enables us to work with a local magnet high school that has a "teaching track"-senior students from that program become docents for the museum and spend a couple of mornings a week at the museum giving tours; the high school brings them and picks them up.  We have other adults to give tours when the high school students are not here.

Finally, I feel like we have a more collaborative effort going on with the schools.  We offer meeting space if they want to hold a workshop here for principals.  The schools can provide us with feedback, and when needed we can do the same with them.  Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

(Mrs.) Shan P. Rankin

Executive Director

Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory)

200 N Closner Blvd  |  Edinburg, TX 78541 USA

P: +1-956-383-6911  |  F: +1-956-381-8518

srankin@mosthistory.org  |  MOSTHistory.org

American Alliance of Museums Accredited Museum