Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2016 05 04

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It is well documented that history museums are very important to top communities. According to the American Alliance of Museums,' "in determining America's Best Cities, Businessweek.com placed the greatest weight on leisure amenities including density of museums, followed by educational metrics and economic metrics...then crime and air quality." (2013) The Main Street historic district — anchored by the Museum — will soon benefit from the new Gateway, one block from the Museum. This places the Museum in a central role as one of the most important amenities, along with the Library, for downtown leisure activity. With multiple buildings at present, and more so when new construction enhances it, the museum offers that "density of museums" impact that Business Week notes as key to quality amenities. It will be in a position to become the natural starting point for visitors to Louisville: hence, placing a visitor center in the new building is a natural win -win for the community. It will be the natural staging place for downtown festivals and celebrations. It will be the place that newer residents as well as multi - generational residents bring friends and family to learn about Louisville history. It will be the focal point for historic preservationists interested in the city's architectural past. It will be one of the only civic facilities in downtown that can accommodate functions, weddings, and meetings both indoors and on its campus. It will be a place for parents of young children to bring their families for summer history day camps and school vacation week drop -in history fun days. Not least: it will because of all this have a significant economic impact on all of Main Street and the Gateway, elevating retail and restaurant sales by encouraging residents and visitors to come to Main Street more often and stay longer. BEST PRACTICES: HISTORY MUSEUMS SIMILAR TO THE LOUISVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM History museums serve their communities through several vital functions that also contribute significantly to the local economy. They derive their revenue streams and the support of those they serve through what has become a larger portfolio of functions than in past decades. Traditionally, history museums were viewed primarily as repositories for artifacts that told the history of place. Increasingly, this central function is buffered with additional functions that complement and expand on this: They serve as visitor centers, the natural starting point for anyone seeking information on the history of the community, its historic architecture, commerce, historic district(s), and for those seeking information on retail, restaurants, leisure activities, and hotels. They serve as educational centers, a partner with local schools and preschools, offering a number of curriculum -based field trips for various grades. During the summer and school vacation days, they offer day camps. They provide adult learning opportunities through hands- The AAM is the national accrediting body for museums. Page 1 6 Louisville Historical Museum Business Plan Recommendations