The Pennsylvania Senate's State Government Committee held a hearing on May 7, 2014 in Harrisburg to discuss The Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act (SB1070).

Chairman Smucker remarked "Pennsylvania is incredibly rich in the number and diversity of museum sites that we have," noting there are many in operation beyond those owned by the state. He indicated all groups are feeling the pressure of the economic downturn, with discretionary funds being stripped out that have had the effect of eliminating the lifelines that museums had come to rely on. Chairman Smucker advised a report by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) recently confirmed what many advocates had already come to recognize - that it is time to "get creative" about funding. He said that is the reason for interest in SB 1070, which would create a basis for funding at the state level.

Chairman Smith spoke on the need consider museums as economic drivers and to be strategic in leveraging what funding is available to raise the standards of state museum facilities.

Sen. Browne, sponsor of the legislation, noted the bill is structured to not only offer funding to institutions but provide incentives for ongoing improvement.

Andrew Masich, President and CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center and Chair of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), said SB 1070 "has great potential as an investment in the future" through funding of state museums, both in terms of supplementing social studies programs at commonwealth schools, and as an "economic engine that will continue to drive the tourism industry in Pennsylvania."
Masich noted the LBFC study of museum funding found "the economic impact of museums on the overall economy of the state and in the communities in which they are located is significant." He reported heritage tourism was found to account for 32 million visitors and $1 billion in visitor spending each year, supporting a total economic impact of $2.9 billion, maintaining 37,000 jobs, and generating $90 million in tax revenues for the state.
Masich credited the merit-based provisions of the legislation, and its use of the American Alliance of Museums' (AAM) definitions in "encouraging Pennsylvania museums to adopt the standards and best practices recognized in the museum field today." He added the PHMC is "an appropriate state agency to administer this program" with a proven track record of fair distribution of grants in the decades prior to the elimination of the Museum Assistance Program.

Dennis Wint, President and CEO of the Franklin Institute, discussed the role of museums in the context of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. "The Institute's commitments to collaboration and creative approaches to STEM learning are essential components of the cultural and educational fabric of greater Philadelphia," he remarked. "Financial support from the commonwealth is crucial to the maintenance and continued development of the innovative, cutting-edge, science-related exhibits and educational programming that stand as the hallmark of the Franklin Institute," Wint said. He added that legislative support will enable the Institute to continue to serve Pennsylvanians and provide world-class STEM experiences.

Tom Ryan, President and CEO of Lancaster History, spoke on the recent challenges faced by museums across the state, including declining revenues from grants and corporate gifts, coupled with "a precipitous drop" in government funding. He said the situation in Lancaster County has resulted in the consolidation of five separate historical sites and museums into one organization.
Speaking to the importance of museums to the American public, Ryan told members there are approximately 850 million visits annually to US museums, which is more than the attendance for all major league sporting events and theme park trips combined. In addition to their economic impact, Ryan explained, museums provide social services such as programs for autistic children and adults with Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments. He added many facilities offer special programs for veterans and military families. Ryan said SB 1070 "represents an historic change in the way we support cultural institutions in our state," and characterized it as "a smart investment in one of Pennsylvania's most valuable resources, its own cultural heritage."

Charles Croce, Executive Director and COO of the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent, highlighted the "paramount concern" of small, non-profit museums regulating annual operating costs. He argued, "To have a dedicated, predictable revenue source will allow us to better serve our audiences, and continue to deliver high quality programs and museum experience." Croce touted the significant economic impact that history organizations for regions across the state, as well as generating tax revenues for the state of over $95 million based on recent studies conducted by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. He posited that the small operating budgets of many museums belie the broad impact that they have on their respective communities, especially augmenting classroom education for children. Citing the diverse variety of programs offered at the Philadelphia History Museum, Croce pointed out that the museum is actively pursuing collaborative partnerships with other similar organizations across in the region. He explained, "These strategic alliances, we believe, enable us to share staff and provide a cost effective method for participating institutions to present education and adult programs, and where possible, joint exhibitions that inevitably reach larger and more diverse audiences-something each individual institution may not be able to accomplish on its own." Croce pointed out that the regional and cultural demographics of visitors are exceptionally diverse, which benefits all local lodging, dining, retail, and transportation businesses. This local spending contributes to both local and state tax revenues, he observed. "Let me emphatically state that we are not looking for charity or to be on the dole," Croce said. "Pennsylvania should be second to none in doing its part to ensure that the national treasures that reside within its borders and in its museums and historic landmarks are appropriately funded, not only for the present generation, but for many generations to come."

Chairman Smucker asked for a sense of how important museums are to Pennsylvania "at-large," in terms of the state as a destination. Masich cited the 2012 LBFC study that found heritage tourism accounted for 32 million visitors and $1 billion in tourism spending each year. Chairman Smucker questioned if there are any other actions, aside from the funding measure, that museums across the state would need. Masich said a stable source of funding "is the most important thing that can happen." He noted many museums have needed to become more entrepreneurial as a result of declining funds from traditional sources.

Ryan emphasized the relationship between tourism and museum work. He said supporting visitor's bureaus and funding for promotion of the museum institutions is very important. Of the PHMC he said, "I am astounded at what they are able to accomplish," with limited resources.

Sen. Browne noted the effects of museums going away "would be devastating." He clarified the intent of the measure is to supplement, not to take away from, any funding streams to other organizations. He noted the idea grew from the work of the Arts and Culture Caucus, co-chaired with Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).

Rusty Baker, Executive Director of PA Museums, said that the bill has "great potential." He pointed to the LBFC study, which made recommendations to address the "fragmented approach" of the state's cultural funding. "From our perspective as a watchdog on museum issues and state policy as it related to museums and historical organizations, the Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act would immediately address several of these recommendations," Baker stated. "The main ideas contained in this bill would serve to formalize policy related to museums and historical activities, officially authorize the PHMC as the state's instrument to lead the field, and establish a transparent, qualitative and consistent process for operational funding." He acknowledged the diverse environment of museum and cultural organizations across the commonwealth, which range from county historical societies to large, world-renowned museums. Baker discussed the "critical place" of museums in society, which expands far beyond tourism and education. He also stressed the increasing value of museum programs that are developed in accordance with state education standards, which provide a formal education outside the classroom. "The museum community has tried to hitch its wagon over the years to tourism, to education, and to community and economic development initiatives, and funding museums on their own merit recognizes their place in the bigger picture as a key component in multiple industries," Baker asserted.

Richard Burkert, President and CEO of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, discussed the financial challenges facing museums across the commonwealth. Specifically, he highlighted the burden on mid-sized museums with an annual budget of $500,000 to $2 million that are generally community institutions. "Typically, large museums and small museums have endowments to help sustain their operations. Mid-sized museums typically do not hold significant endowments, and begin each fiscal year with no assured income," Burkert explained. "Sustaining these community institutions is very often a continual struggle. Commonwealth funding will not, by itself, ensure the financial viability of these institutions, but reliable commonwealth funding will go a long way toward making them sustainable." Although museums draw significant amounts of visitors, he noted, the revenue from user fees is not enough for most institutions to break even. He attributed this imbalance to the high cost of collections management and educational programming, saying that museums represent the "loss leader" of the tourism industry. "In addition to being important assets in their community's tourism economy, many museums go beyond their conventional role to serve as leaders in asset-based community development efforts," Burkert stated. "This important community role of museums is poorly recognized or encouraged." Referencing his experience with the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, he said that his organization has played an active role in community planning with a variety of projects over the past two decades. Burkert described the inconsistent funding of Museum General Operating Support grants administered by the PHMC on a yearly basis, which have ranged from zero support to $125,000 for the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. He submitted, "Everyone appreciates the restoration of funding to this grant program at the $2 million level, but a higher level of funding is needed to help put Pennsylvania museums on a sustainable basis." Burkert said that identifying a dedicated funding source for museum grants has been a goal of the museum community for years, and this includes support of a provision of the Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act that taps the real estate transfer tax that would help to "stabilize" museum operations. Despite his organization lacking accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) presently, he argued that the incorporation of standards would encourage professional practices whilst being attainable for even small historical societies. "This bill would establish a transparent and qualitative process for museum operation funding," he concluded. "This is good for the commonwealth's museum community, and it assures the prudent use of commonwealth funding."

Jane Werner, Executive Director of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and President of the Association of Children's Museums, emphasized the impact that museums have on the individuals and communities. She shared that the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh has 270,000 visitors a year, as well as reaching 40,000 individuals through outreach efforts. Beyond the fundamental economic impact through tourism, she described the vast array of programs and partnerships that reach far into the surrounding community. Werner affirmed that SB 1070 would enable her organization, as well as museums across the state, to take the work they do to the "next level." She reflected on the impact that a recent exhibit titled "XOXO: Love and Forgiveness" has had on so many visitors, with plans to potentially bring the exhibit to other parts of the world. Reading a series of powerful letters submitted as part of the exhibit, Werner remarked, "We are a great investment because we are an upstream investment. Our impact is deep and long lasting. We can be experimental and a real lab for learning."

Joe Garrera, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, contrasted two Revolutionary War sites maintained by different states - Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, and General Washington's Winter Quarters in Morristown, New Jersey. He cited a newspaper article from the Newark Star-Ledger which lamented New Jersey's comparative neglect of the Morristown site, compared to the success of Valley Forge and its associated convention center. Garrera offered his "strongest endorsement" of SB 1070 and said it will benefit Pennsylvanians for generations to come.

Chairman Smith offered his appreciation for the testimony given by the panels. Sen. Browne credited Garrera for his work in the Lehigh Valley. He emphasized that with respect to the accreditation process for museums in the context of the bill, they will have to discuss it going forward.

Chairman Smucker spoke to the dichotomy presented by Garrera of Morristown and Valley Forge, and said it is one of the best examples he has heard. He asked how other states compare in terms of funding their museums. Baker said in terms of size, Pennsylvania has the fourth largest number of museums. In terms of funding, he said, the level has been that of "a severe diet."

Chairman Smucker noted the characterization of museums as a "loss leader" for the state and asked how much admissions cover. Garrera said "very little," estimating as little as six to eight percent and no more than 20 percent. He suggested most people are probably not aware of that.

PA Museums thanks our members and partners who provided supporting written testimony for the Senate State Government Committee. We were especially pleased to submit supporting written testimony from the American Alliance of Museums. PA Museums will continue to advocate for museums in support of The Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Act and will provide updates when the budget process resumes after the primary elections.

The PA Museums Annual Statewide Museum Conference in Pittsburgh was a huge success, and we would like to thank everyone who attended, presented, sponsored, or supported our efforts.

If you attended our conference, we invite you to take this survey. It should only take a few minutes of your time, and the information you will provide will help shape future conferences. We looked at the results of last year's survey in Doylestown quite often as we thought about the conference in Pittsburgh. You can help us make next year's conference even better, and we appreciate your feedback.

At a meeting of the National Museum and Library Services Board IMLS announced an initiative with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (CMP) to build the capacity of libraries and museums to develop effective makerspaces and programs.  In recent years there has been an explosion of interest among museums and libraries in the hands-on, mentor-led learning environments known as makerspaces.  The maker movement has spread with hundreds of thousands of people participating in Maker Faires across the country and across the globe. The White House recently announced plans for a 2014 White House Maker Faire.

With $425,192 in IMLS support, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, working in conjunction with the North Carolina State University Library, Exploratorium, Chicago Public Library, and Maker Education Initiative, among others, on the project.  The project aims to provide museum and library professionals with a suite of tools and resources, hands-on professional development experiences, and a community of practice. The project's website and online publication will share the framework, makerspace studies, research and evaluation reports, as well as resources for field wide replication.

IMLS Director Susan H. Hildreth said, "It is exciting to know that this IMLS investment will enable museums and libraries to bring their unique spaces, expertise, and collections to the makers movement. This grant positions libraries and museums as innovation hubs and reinforces their roles as anchor learning institutions in their communities."

"Since 2011, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh has played a major role in connecting the maker movement to the informal learning sphere on both a local and national level in alignment with its mission to provide innovative museum experiences that inspire joy, creativity, and curiosity." stated Children's Museum Executive Director Jane Werner. "We look forward to working with IMLS to coordinate a national program focused on building a field-wide understanding of making in museums and libraries, and sharing knowledge and tools to build the capacity of libraries and museums to develop effective makerspaces and programs."