Museum Advocacy Day
February 1, 2011
Rockwell Museum of Western Art
111 Cedar Street, Corning, NY 14830
Contact: Beth Manwaring â–ª 607.974.4254 â–ª manwaringb@rockwellmuseum.org
CORNING, NY - For millions of Americans, museums are seen as refuges of learning, fun and spiritual uplift. That is true from the cherished Smithsonian museums on the National Mall in Washington to the Pearl Harbor-USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art right here in Corning, NY. That's why U.S. museums attract an estimated 850 million visits each year, more than all professional sporting events and theme parks combined.
But it is important to remember in these challenging economic times that museums bring much more to our communities. Museums are also engines of commerce, serving to boost the civic and economic climates of communities large and small. That is the case hundreds of museum professionals will be making to Capitol Hill on March 1.
Museums are vital cogs in the American economy, a declaration confirmed by the statistics. America's estimated 17,500 museums employ more than half a million citizens and through direct expenditures alone inject some $20 billion into the American economy. Further, museums play an essential role in the U.S. travel and tourism industry, with cultural travel now calculated to account for some $192 billion in economic activity annually, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Museums have long been cultural destinations in and of themselves-witness the 30 million visitors to the Smithsonian alone each year. Trips including cultural and heritage activities comprise one of the most popular and significant segments of the travel industry, accounting for 23 percent of domestic trips. And those trips generate economic activity for local businesses. Visitors to historic sites and cultural attractions-including museums-stay 53 percent longer and spend 36 percent more money than other kinds of tourists.
But as substantial as is the impact of museums on jobs and local economies, the contribution of museums goes much farther. As state and local government budgets are increasingly stretched thin, many museums are taking up the slack, filling voids in our social and community fabric.
The Rockwell Museum of Western Art contributes to the educational experience of both the young and young-at-heart within the greater Finger Lakes region. The Museum's school tour program underscores connections to art and strengthens the role of museums as a valuable resource in students' lives. The educational offerings of the Rockwell Museum foster real connections within our local and regional communities.
While it is true that the collection remains the heart and soul of the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, it is educational and interpretive offerings that make the heart beat. Through thoughtful interpretation, both written and verbal, the Museum's commitment to education through American art allows it to showcase the bounty and depth of the permanent collection, while making a real difference within the community and beyond.
Educational offerings proved to be a fruitful in 2010. The Rockwell's school tour program served over 5,000 students within 20 districts from New York State and Pennsylvania. In addition, Museum staff members provided several workshops to support teachers throughout the year. In 2010, the Museum continued to provide guided tours for pre-K students on up to adults.
The Rockwell Museum of Western Art recognizes the many cultural opportunities our community has to offer. Each year the Museum partners with community groups like Southern Tier Hospice, the Salvation Army, school districts and many other social service agencies.
For example, in 2009, the Museum and Southern Tier Hospice launched a partnership that services children and parents that are faced with a loss. The Museum and Hospice co-hosted "Good Mourning Springtime," a children's grief event. Children ages six-12, accompanied by a parent or adult, spent time in the Museum galleries. The "mourning" program included looking at art, creating art, and a small bereavement ceremony for the children and adults time to communicate their loss.
Suffice it to say that the mission of museums is public service. That's the message that will be carried to Congress on March 1, when some 300 museum advocates from across the country come to Capitol Hill to convey to our representatives the value-economic and otherwise-museums bring to the nation. Join us in this effort by contacting your local officials, via email or telephone or even old-fashioned letter, telling them what your museum means to you and your family. The American Association of Museums' website can help you do so.
As protectors, interpreters and exhibitors of our heritages-historic, cultural, natural and scientific-museums fulfill a crucial role in America. Help us communicate that to our elected leaders on March 1.
About the Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art is located in the center of the Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York Sate and in the heart of Corning's Gaffer District. The Museum is open to the public seven days a week; hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Membership to the Museum includes yearlong free admission. For more information, please visit us online at www.rockwellmuseum.org.
The Museum is free to the public on Sundays now through April 2011. We invite you, our community, to the Museum and to be inspired by our vision, collections and programs. Kids & Teens are always FREE (19 & under).
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