Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2016 08 03 JT

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Page 18 of 150 assessment, also in 2014. The Museum's work with the Foundation on strengthening membership and making connections with members has been very successful. In 2015, the Foundation raised $26,988 (not including donations made to the Helburg fund set up to raise money for a law enforcement memorial park in memory of Victor Helburg). Of this, $11,750 came from memberships and $14,715 came from monetary donations, many of which were made by members. Besides showing the success of the membership program, these numbers also show that the Foundation is bringing in a healthy level of funds without having announced or embarked on a fundraising campaign. Another reason for why the Museum does not charge an admission fee is that many people use the Museum to do research and find information; it is felt that it would not be reasonable to ask them to pay admission. The Museum and the Library, being in the same City department, share a similar philosophy of promoting public access to information. Other revenue generating opportunities besides admission fees are promoting memberships and inviting members to become monetary donors. In addition, as identified in the Museum Business Plan, there will be new revenue -generating possibilities as a result of new improved campus through indoor/outdoor rentals, summer camps, and classes in the new building. The Museum Fulfills City Goals and Fits Community Values It is a benefit to the City of Louisville that it owns and operates the Museum, as the efforts and activities of the Museum support the City in several ways. Through its many activities, the Louisville Historical Museum achieves the following goals that the Louisville City Council adopted for 2015: 1. Protect and Preserve Louisville's History 2. Maintain Small Town Character 3. Promote Economic Sustainability Improvements to the Museum campus will also help achieve the Council's goals to "Improve Basic City Services" and "Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness in City Operations." In addition, the Museum's activities promote the following Core Community Values that are the foundation upon which the City makes decisions and that were adopted by the City as part of the 2013 Comprehensive Plan: 1. A Sense of Community 2. Our Livable Small Town Feel 3. A Healthy, Vibrant, and Sustainable Economy 4. A Connection to the City's Heritage 5. Families and Individuals 6. Excellence in Education and Lifelong Learning 7. Civic Participation and Volunteerism The Museum Connects People to History and is a Community Partner 10