Looking, but not spending: Visitors are holding onto their cash at tourist spots

Gabriel Almond, 10, of Mint Hill, looks at an exhibit at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer on Aug. 14.

Brennan, Brian and Braden Keheley, ages 6, 2 and 1, respectively, play on a train displayed at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer. Their parents traveled from Indian Land, S.C., to visit the museum. Photo by Meghan Cooke, Salisbury Post

A few bills and coins in the donation box at Rowan Museum on North Main Street. Photo by Meghan Cooke, Salisbury Post

By Meghan Cooke

mcooke@salisburypost.com

A few bills and several coins totaling $16.22 lay scattered in a clear box near the entrance of the Rowan Museum.

The meager contents of the donation box represent a dilemma for the museum and other historical sites across the area, which are coping with strained budgets in difficult economic times.

"The money is just not there," said Kaye Brown Hirst, executive director of Rowan Museum, Inc. "Most people don't have it."

Gov. Bev Perdue announced recently that more than half of N.C. counties saw increases in visitor spending in 2008. Rowan County, however, saw a 1.7 percent decrease, with spending at $116 million.

Although visitor spending was down, the number of visitors at local historic sites is not slipping. In fact, they're increasing.

The number of people visiting the Rowan Museum has noticeably increased since the economic downturn began, Hirst said. In June 2007, the museum had about 150 visitors, excluding group tours. This June, the museum hosted more than 240 visitors.

Despite the increase in visitors, the museum is receiving less money from donations. In the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the museum received $2,700 in contributions. That number was down from $3,500 in 2006-2007.

Although the museum is supported by local government — it received $6,000 from the city and $20,000 from the county this year — it is a private nonprofit funded primarily through membership dues and special events.

Hirst's calendar is filled with deadlines for grant applications.

"We're always looking for funding," she said. "I think it will be an extreme struggle this year to meet our budget."

The museum used to charge admission, but it began accepting contributions instead in 2006.

Originally, the switch to a donation basis increased the museum's revenues, but as the economy declined, the donations did, too.

"I'd shudder to think what would happen if we charged people to come in now," Hirst said.

While families grasped their wallets tighter this summer and the economy continues to slump, the term "staycations" has been thrust into popular vernacular. Rather than splurging on expensive vacations, many families searched for summer fun closer to home.

On Friday afternoon, 6-year-old Brennan Keheley climbed aboard a train on display at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer. Gripping the wheel, he pretended to steer and smiled as he glanced over his shoulder at his brothers, Brian, 2, and Braden, 1.

The boys and their parents, Brent and Kendra Keheley, made a day trip to the museum from Indian Land, S.C. Brennan began school on Monday, and his parents were searching for an inexpensive and fun trip to celebrate the end of summer.

"It's good, free family fun," Kendra said.

The only cost was that of gas and food, Brent said.

"They love trains — and it's free," Brent said.

The N.C. Transportation Museum is state-funded but also relies on its foundation, an annual campaign, membership dues and grants.

"We've certainly seen the same cuts as any other state agency," said museum spokesman Mark Brown.

The museum does not charge an admission fee, but it does charge $6 for adults and $5 for children and seniors for a 25-minute train ride.

In July 2008, 6,626 people visited the museum. This July, 8,337 visited — a difference of more than 1,700 people.

"A new American frugality is allowing the population to identify and treasure the resources we have at home," said Jack Thomson, managing director of the Historic Salisbury Foundation.

Similarly, the foundation has seen a steady flow of visitors to the landmarks it maintains, but it too is struggling with funding.

The Historic Salisbury Foundation is funded primarily through membership dues, grants and special events. Membership numbers have decreased slightly, but the level at which members have contributed to the foundation has declined significantly, Thomson said.

"Folks have been unable to give the same amounts," he said. "Several of our major donors have recognized the landscape and have stepped up. But it's not enough to make up for the shortfall."

The economy has affected the foundation not only in attendance but also in terms of the troubled real estate market.

In addition to preserving landmarks such as the Dr. Josephus Hall House on South Jackson Street, the foundation also protects historic homes by acquiring and selling them to people who plan to revitalize the houses.

"The decline in the market has affected our ability to save properties," he said.

Although they may continue to strain against the economy, Hirst said area historic sites aren't going anywhere. She said she hopes locals, many of whom have lived in the area for years but have never visited museums and landmarks here, will realize what their own community has to offer.

"We are here for the community," she said. "We want people to come in and be proud of their heritage."