Bridging the Divide

Abstract

At a time of economic recession, museums are called upon more than ever to demonstrate their public value while simultaneously finding funding for their work. This series of case studies examines how three museums balance mission-based programming with generating revenue for their organizations. The Newseum, in Washington, DC, has repurposed existing school programs for a corporate audience, allowing them to run mission-based programs that bring in revenue. When Philipsburg Manor in Westchester County, NY, changed its interpretive approach to include the story of historic African American residents, the new inclusivity in programming brought new sources of revenue. Finally, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. struggles with a tremendously successful revenue-generating program that conflicts with the museum mission but supports year-round mission-based programs. This article explored how the museums chose these programs, the considerations they encountered along the way, and take-away lessons other museums learn from their experiences.

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