As many may know, we've been attempting to spread word about a proposal for a comprehensive Louisville history museum for quite some time.

Today, Branden Klayko at Broken Sidewalk has published a post giving the museum idea a new boost, and hopefully a lot more citizens in the Louisville area will take notice and offer their support and constructive input.

Not much has changed since the original proposal was released last April, mainly due I think to our regional economic troubles and the idea itself not getting much currency in the community as of yet (hopefully this will change very soon). That said, I have encountered individuals here and there who are thrilled about the concept and want to be a part of the effort once it really gets rolling at some point.

Of course, what any idea like this needs at a very early stage like this is 1) growing awareness; and 2) expression of support. This seed won't germinate until there's at least a minor groundswell of attention by the wider Louisville area community.

So... to gauge the community's support, I have started a Facebook page for the Louisville History Museum as a concept. Please become a fan if you are so inclined and help us build a movement to get this done for Louisville!

Steve Magruder — LouHI Administrator and web programmer


Please become a fan of Louisville History & Issues on Facebook

Steve,

I agree that awareness and support is the only way that this idea will ever become a reality. I joined the facebook page. I hope everyone else does too. There would be a tremendous amount for work needed as well.

I will join in any organized campaign to help any way I can when it gets to that stage, so count me IN.

Ken M

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Yes, yes, yes, yes, NOW!!!! We absolutely, positively need this. Some suggestions. Enlist the Courier-Journal to start an exhibit, and I'll bet, if asked nicely, Judge Haynie will allow some of his father's cartoons to be displayed as a permanent exhibit. Louisville's history has been ignored way too long.

Count me in!

Yes, it`s a fantastic idea. How can I help get the ball rolling?

Right now, we're seeking feedback on the proposal and gauging community interest. We don't have a decision on the next steps yet. If anyone has ideas for what needs to be done next, we would appreciate that. For now, it's a concept.

The American Association of Museums has a pretty good web site from where to start.

AAM Website

Check out the FAQ section. Question #5 Asks "How many people visit museums in the US and which type is the most popular.

History Museums on average are at the very bottom of the attendance list with 10,750 visitors per year. Not to say that if it was placed in a good spot, it wouldn't do better. Zoo's are at the top with over 440,000 visitors per year.

Question #9 asks about starting a new museum. Here is the answer. It is very obvious that this effort wold not be for the faint of heart, as it will take a lot of effort and work by an army of people who will work for free. If this were ever to get off the ground, it would need to be organized as a non-profit, and a Board of Directors appointed for starters.


"We want to start a new museum. Can AAM help?

Starting a new museum is a complex undertaking with serious fiduciary and legal obligations. AAM offers several books in its Bookstore that address the multitude of issues related to starting and sustaining a successful museum. These titles are an excellent place to start:

Starting Right: A Basic Guide to Museum Planning. Published by the American Association for State & Local History, Starting Right provides sound guidance in a handbook designed to explain the basics of museum planning in an evening's reading. In straightforward language it explains what a museum is, discusses pros and cons of establishing a museum, provides an up-to-date resource lists, and offers good basic advice on all aspects of museums from the choice of a building through collections care, registration, exhibitions, conservation, staffing, financial management, and fund raising.
Collective Vision: Starting & Sustaining a Children's Museum: A Comprehensive Guide for New & Existing Institutions. Collective Vision is an essential tool for anyone starting a new children’s museum. .
Capturing the Vision: A Companion Volume to Collective Vision: Starting & Sustaining A Children's Museum. This volume offers models in the planning of new institutions or renovation of existing museums. The book is divided into four chapters: history, architecture, exhibits and programs.
The Legal Obligations of Nonprofit Boards: A Guidebook for Board Members. This book outlines the legal responsibilities and requirements that board members and executive staff must know about when working with every category of the IRS-defined 501(c) grouping. It covers requirements imposed by federal and state laws, specific board member duties, internal board and organization documents, board member liability, suggestions on how to comply with legal requirements, and case studies illustrating legal principles.
Code of Ethics for Museums. Issued by the American Association of Museums in 2000, this code provides a framework for developing an institution’s own code of ethics and reflects the current, generally understood standards of the museum field. The Code of Ethics is available free on AAM’s website.
A Legal Primer on Managing Museum Collections. This AAM-best seller focuses on collection-related problems and legal entanglement issues, reviews relevant cases and court decisions, and gives advice on when a museum should seek legal counsel. The easy-to-use text provides outlines, checklists, and model documents.
Creating & Implementing Your Strategic Plan: A Workbook for Public & Nonprofit Organizations. This book is a step-by-step guide to strategic planning. It is filled with useful tools, including illustrative examples, detailed questionnaires, and easy-to-understand worksheets.
Consider joining AAM even during the planning stage. Institutional member museums have access to the Information Center’s resources on museum operations, standards and best practices, and a wide variety of sample documents."

Ken M

The creation of the non-profit is a simple matter, literally just a few minutes online with the Secretary of State — and I think eight bucks. Need to have the Kentucky designation before you then seek federal tax-exempt status, that is different and much more complex. But the baby steps is a simple matter, just need incorporators and a starting board. Most important is the name of the corporation — such as "Louisville History Museum, Inc." But it is important, since it is the name you will be stuck with pretty much forever.