Science museums fighting for survival amid pandemic

Among the many stark realities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the extreme financial distress in the museum field has reached a critical point.

A recent national survey published by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) showed an alarming statistic: 33% of museums were not confident they would be able to survive 16 months without additional financial relief. That means many of our beloved cultural institutions may not survive the pandemic due to extended closures and fewer visitors returning in the foreseeable future.

The survey also revealed that 87% of museums have only 12 months or less of financial operating reserves remaining, with 56% having less than six months left to cover operations. 44% had furloughed or laid off some portion of their staff, and 41% planned to reopen with reduced staff.

The Science Alliance of Tennessee, a consortium of six non-profit science museums across the state, is aiming to do better than just survive during these challenging times.

With an annual economic impact of $44 million that engaged more than 1.1 million Tennessee students, teachers and visitors, it’s in everyone’s best interest that we continue to thrive.

In Middle Tennessee, the Adventure Science Center in Nashville and the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro touch the lives of more than 500,000 people per year combined. Both institutions are dedicated to bringing families together for unique experiences and providing informal education to a wide variety of students and lifelong learners.

Institutions such as science centers and children’s museums have a long legacy of mission-driven service to their communities, despite limited funding. We are facing the pandemic’s challenges with determination, examining our role and adapting to the changing landscape.

Science Alliance institutions quickly pivoted to produce new online programming that helped families and students stay engaged, with learning activities that could be done at home. In addition, the Alliance has devoted weekly updates to develop and review best practices for reopening to keep our facilities safe for staff and guests.

Science education is more important than ever, and we must join together to ensure the viability of these institutions. Here’s why:

h Museums are economic engines: Economic impact data compiled by the American Alliance of Museums and Oxford Economics shows that the museum economy contributes $50 billion a year to the U.S. economy and generates $12 billion in tax revenue to local,

Now more than ever, cultural institutions such as science museums must be a major focus of philanthropic and government funding priorities. No one wants to imagine a world void of unique spaces that celebrate curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.

state, and federal governments.

h Museums are vital local sources of employment, supporting 726,000 direct and indirect jobs annually across the U.S. Museums play an essential role in the nation’s educational infrastructure, spending more than $2 billion a year on education. The destabilizing effects of the current crisis place the future of these contributions to the U.S. economy and education system at great risk.

h Museums have immense support from the public: According to a recent public opinion poll, 96% of Americans would think positively of their elected officials taking legislative action to support museums, regardless of political persuasion or community size. 97% of Americans believe that museums are educational assets, and 89% believe that museums contribute important economic benefits to their community.

Museums are community centers and connectors to rural areas, addressing challenges in times of crisis like the one we are currently experiencing as well as providing “mobile” educational opportunities to underserved populations.

Now more than ever, cultural institutions such as science museums must be a major focus of philanthropic and government funding priorities. No one wants to imagine a world void of unique spaces that celebrate curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.

So we appeal to area funders to support our museums financially. We ask for those in the community who are able to donate directly or share their experiences with our work on social media. Contact your federal or state representatives and urge them to include museums in funding efforts.

Together we can overcome these challenges and ensure our communities continue learning and growing into a bright future.

The Science Alliance of Tennessee is dedicated to engaging Tennesseans of all ages in hands-on learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and includes the following institutions:

MICHAEL CLANCY/FOR THE TENNESSEAN David Ho, 3, looks at a real human brain at the Cumberland Science Museum on March 4, 2000, as part of Brain Awareness Month.