The Challenges of Running a Historical House Museum

A recent report by the American Association of Museums found that over 57.4% of U.S. museums saw an increase in attendance in 2009 from 2008. The survey of nearly 500 institutions of all sizes found that 14.6% saw an increase of 20% or more compared to 2008. We took these stats to one of our local historical house museums – Hearthside in Lincoln, RI – and asked president Kathryn Hartley how her museum was faring during this time of economic downturn.

SLD - How has the economy affected your museum?

KH - Since Friends of Hearthside is an all-volunteer organization, we haven’t had to cut staff. But the economy has caused us to be more cautious about our fees so that we remain affordable. On the positive side, the economy has kept people closer to home and looking for attractions nearby. Our visitor count has actually increased!

SLD - What are the top 3 challenges your museum faces today?

KH - Fundraising, finding volunteers and community outreach

When we started 9 years ago, grants were readily available to address pressing restoration needs. Those funding opportunities are dwindling, so there is a greater need to raise funds for repairs and restoration. Our operating budget is less than $20,000 a year, but one restoration project can cost upwards of $50,000.

Finding volunteers is an ongoing process. Fortunately, we’ve been able to attract some wonderfully talented and dedicated people, which has resulted in our outstanding success in a very short period of time.

We can't wait for people to find us; we have to be proactive. This is an ongoing, multi-faceted process. Online media is very important, but it's still critical for us to have a presence in traditional newspapers, especially the free ones. Our volunteers promote Hearthside within their own circles and bring in new people that way. Many of us who dress in period costume attend events elsewhere around the state, which has been a wonderful way to get attention. We frequently present in classrooms and get younger generations involved through volunteer projects. Networking events are also very effective.

SLD - What do historical house museums need to do to attract visitors?

KH - Historical house museums in particular can fall into the category of ‘been there, done that,’ so we need to offer reasons for people to come back. We strive to give visitors a different experience each time they come, with changing exhibits and programs that appeal to different interests and populations.

SLD - Many house museums are struggling to create a sense of relevance within their communities. How is Hearthside doing this?

KH - Telling the story of the site's historical significance within the community is so important. At Hearthside, it's not just about the house itself, but also more importantly about Great Road and its place in history. This helps give people a sense of place in their community.


Some of our community events include:
- A traditional afternoon tea for women and an American Girl Doll tea for young girls
- Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as spinning, weaving and rug hooking
- Lessons and demonstrations of hand-forging at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop
- A lavishly decorated Victorian Christmas open house with candlelight tours
- A summer antiques fair and appraisal day
- Civil War re-enactments and a Native American pow-wow at Chase Farm Park

SLD - What are some of the ways you connect with your audience?

KH - We connect with people the minute they walk through the door. A costumed interpreter greets visitors, which immediately grabs their attention. We also send out regular e-newsletters and press releases. We can't afford paid advertising, but we have to have ongoing visibility. Hearthside frequently appears in the newspaper, and we've had several front-page articles each year as well as TV and radio coverage.

SLD - Why did you choose this career? What draws you to museum work?

KH - I didn't choose this career...it chose me! There was a need to do something with this precious historic house that sat vacant, and I just wanted to breathe life back into it. I never imagined I would be in this position, especially since I never had any interest in history! But in the process, I became totally engrossed in the richness that history brings to our lives. It's extremely rewarding work.


Share Your Historical House Visit With Us
When was the last time you visited a historical house museum? Share your story with Élan’s online community by posting a comment to this blog. We’d love to hear from you!