A study of visitation at living history farms and agricultural museums
Date
2006
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of a living history institution and what sets it apart from other museums is the preservation of both tangible historical artifacts and intangible folkways – the practices, customs, or beliefs shared by members of a group as parts of their common culture. Less than 150 living history museums are recognized by the Association for Living History, Farms and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM), although the historic house or site museum is the most common type of museum in America (Grogg 1994, 1). While these museums are popular, relatively little literature or research has been produced regarding visitors to this type of institution. ☐ The purpose of this study was to begin research that will reveal the characteristics of the typical living history museum visitor. Surveys were used to gather information regarding three areas of interest to museum administrators; visitor demographics, the visitors’ perceptions of the importance of museum amenities, and the visitors’ perceptions of the importance of various characteristics of living history museums. ☐ The data collected found that the typical visitor to living history museums is female, between the ages of thirty-six and fifty-five, and highly educated. They place the greatest amount of importance on having fun and learning. They also consider the presence of polite and knowledgeable museum staff to be very important. Finally, the presence of clean and ample restrooms was a vitally important aspect of a visit to a living history museum. ☐ Knowledge of these and other visitor demographics and opinions should help museum administrators of all types and sizes of institutions make decisions influencing their institutions. This information can guide the development of programming, human resources management, and budget priorities and management. Making mission- and visitor-driven decisions should improve museum performance and audience numbers. Increased audiences will broaden each museum’s ability to achieve its mission and justify its existence and professional validity.