Education
How does your institution serve the goals of educating other museum professionals and/or the community?
PPHM is a member of the Texas Association of Museums whose president is PPHM Director, Guy C. Vanderpool. The Education Coordinator serves as the Treasurer for the Texas Association of Museum Educators Council. The Operations Coordinator serves as the Chair of Museum Emerging Leaders, Texas. The Communications Coordinator serves as the Staff Council President for West Texas A&M University, the campus on which PPHM is located. These leadership positions place the PPHM staff at the forefront of policy-making decisions in both the museum and higher-education realms.
Promotion
What methods are used to 'get the word out' about your institution's offerings?
Various promotional methods are used throughout the year at PPHM. During the summer, billboards are placed on all major highways coming into Amarillo, Texas, brochures are placed in all Certified Folder racks, and pop-up banners are placed in many area hotels. The use of free media has been an emphasis with press releases being sent out frequently, which has garnered coverage in state and national newspapers and magazines. PPHM does cooperative work with other arts entities and summer attractions creating packaging, coupons, and other cross promotional efforts. For event promotion, the museum turns to social networks, posters in area stores and ads in the newspaper.
Challenges
What are the main challenges facing the museum today?
The State of Texas instituted a 5%, across-the-board budget cut that affects the operations budget for the museum. In the coming biennium, a 10% across-the-board cut is rumored. The large cuts in budget are challenging, especially given the economic climate. Corporate sponsors are being sought out, but the increased competition by others looking to supplement their cut budgets has made fundraising difficult.
Successes
Are there any recent successes you would like to highlight?
PPHM received the Golden Nail Award from the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council for outstanding educational program for its participation in the Nights at the Museum program. Since the "Best of Amarillo" program started in 2006, the museum has won "Best Art Gallery/Museum" as voted by Amarillo Globe-News readers every year. True West magazine name PPHM the Top Western Museum in 2008 and ranked it third on the Top 10 Western Museums list in 2010. The museum also ranked number 23 of 25 museums recognized as "Kid-Friendly Museums" in True West.
Future Projects/Renovations
What do you see in the future for your institution?
We have big, remarkable future plans, but the information will not be released until a press conference later in September.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
2503 Fourth Ave.
Canyon, TX, 79015-4183
Tel: 806-651-2244
Fax: 806-651-2250
email: museum@pphm.wtamu.edu
Museum Hours
Summer: Mon.-Sat. 9-6; Winter: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 1-6. Closed New Year's Day; Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve & Day.
Admission
Adults $10, senior citizens 65 & over $9, children 4-12 $5; discounts to groups; members & children under 4 no charge.
Museum Website
www.panhandleplains.org
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