Fewer than a quarter of them showed.
To keep the fledgling museum from closing its doors -- less than a year after opening -- the Worcester County Commissioners provided $48,000 in financial assistance and a warning that they may not be so kind in the future.
"Was it an easy decision? No," said Commission President Bud Church. "But we invested a lot of money in that facility, and we couldn't let it fail."
About $2 million in county funds since 1999 have gone to the Discovery Center, which features the history of the region.
Without the commissioners' latest contribution, the museum would have been "forced to lay off all administrative and operational staff members, retaining only the aquarium position, and close until additional funds can be secured," said Brian Garrett, the center's executive director.
In 2009, roughly 4,000 visitors went through the facility, generating about $16,000 in ticket sales. The sale of memberships generated $7,200, another $6,200 was donated and $8,800 was received through programs and renting out the facility. Exhibits alone cost $130,500 last year, and $99,750 was spent on salaries.
The money provided by the commissioners will help the Pocomoke City museum until June. By then, organizers hope summer beachgoers and other visitors can be lured in to see the facility's sturgeon in the 6,000-gallon aquarium and steamboat replica.
Church said the museum's financial troubles were part of the learning curve for any new service or business. The facility initially asked for $60,000, an amount to which the commissioners could not commit.
"We told them, 'That isn't going to happen; you need to tighten your budget,' " Church said.
As a condition of the money, center staff provided the commissioners with money-saving and revenue-generating initiatives they're taking. The facility has already delayed most purchases for the building, exhibits, advertising and equipment. Programs are mostly grant-funded and furlough days for employees may be next. Going forward, the museum will offer birthday party and sleepover rentals, raffles and incentives to get people in the door.
The museum is the idea of a group of Pocomoke City residents who have worked for more than a decade to get the facility operational. The not-yet-finished Discovery Center opened in late 2008 to let people watch as work progressed on the building, a former car dealership adjacent to the Pocomoke River. An opening celebration was held last June. The museum is now open five days a week and hosts lectures and art classes.
"We think that between now and June 1 they can do things, bring in schoolchildren and work with Ocean City to bring people in and make it work," Church said. "We have a lot of money invested in the Discovery Center and every one of us believes that it could be a major draw for Pocomoke City."
VIA: DelmarvaNow.com
Well no wonder they aren't getting the visitors they expected, no one knows they are even there.
ReplyDeleteAdvertise Advertise Advertise!!!!!
On any given week in the summer there are 200,000+++ tourists at the beach. Advertise weekly in the resort newspapers. Visiting the Discovery Center would be a great thing to do on a rainy day or for those who become tired of the waves and sand. Have someone take brochures to all the hotel's brochure racks.
well, to be honest I was never for the money that has been poured into the D-Center (mainly where the money came from) but we have it now so I hope it returns well.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad news to think that after all the hard work and monies that it could fold. I hope it makes it and that it prospers.
I agree, they do need to promote, promote, promote.