Subsidy sought for museum operations • The house of history is struggling to survive due to small number of visitors

The CNMI Museum of History and Culture is struggling to survive despite its efforts to be self-sufficient, according to Paul Oberg, its executive director.

Oberg is seeking financial and moral support from the government and the community to keep the nine-month old museum

He said the museum’s revenues generated from the admission fee collections are not enough to defray the costs of its operation and other expenses on printing materials and purchase of supplies.

The museum charges only between $1 and $3 per visitor, but it does not receive the expected number of visitors that could generate enough money.

“We charge a minimal fee and I don’t think anyone would seriously object to that,” Oberg said.

“The amount we generate doesn’t come close to supporting the museum’s operations as far as preservation and conservation, accumulation acquisition and protection of all the artifacts that we have collected.”

The museum would need to be subsidized, he added.

“We hope to find very good donors. We hope to see people out there who are willing to give more than what they are giving right now,” Oberg said. “I also believe that it’s always important for the government to help us.”

Oberg said his office is doing its own part by establishing a membership program that would become the museum’s fund-raising arm.

It is also preparing materials and publications to promote the museum among tourists and residents.

“We hope to increase the museum visitation by appealing more to tour groups. We hope to talk to tour directors and companies to help us figure out how we can get more busloads of tourists here,” Oberg said.

The museum, housed in the renovated Old Japanese Hospital in Garapan, was created by Public Law 10-5 which was enacted in 1996. It was first opened to the public on Nov. 4, 1998.

Until now, Oberg said, not too many residents are aware of the museum’s existence. It is hardly visited by tourists either, he added.

“I don’t know if that has anything to do with lack of interest,” Oberg said. “It may be because islanders are not as experienced with museums as those who have traveled off island.”

Oberg said he hopes to have the museum included in the Marianas Visitors Authority’s ’99 Visit the Marianas campaign, however, is not yet prepared for such venue.

“Our staff is small, and building is so small. We need a year’s experience to know what we’re capable of doing. I expect to work closely with MVA in the near future,” Oberg said.

He is also urging the community to send in suggestions and ideas on how to make it an active museum. (MCM)