The Foundation: World of Chiropractic Museum and B.J. and Mabel Palmer Residence MST 501 Case Study Final Project by Emily Grady

Introduction World of Chiropractic Museum and B.J. and Mabel Palmer Residence (Mansion) organized together under the Foundation, 1997 D.D. Palmer, founded the practice of Chiropractic and created the school, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1897 B.J. Palmer, furthered father’s work and purchased the Mansion, 1912 (built 1874, National Register of Historic Places, 1984)

Why did you choose this subject? Local history Historical houses Volunteer/internship

Mission Statement It is the obligation of the Foundation to maintain exhibits and collections pertaining to the history of chiropractic and its people, with special emphasis on Palmer Chiropractic; to ensure, preserve, and share the rich heritage of Chiropractic through education and research; and to assume the responsibilities of the collections which are held in trust for the benefit of the present and the future. (10/1998)

Visitor Experience Prior/this project Initial impressions, Museum vs. Mansion Suggestions

Exhibitions Mission Visitor Experience Temporary vs. Permanent Audience Interpretation Artifacts

Collections Documentation/Care Active? Mission

Governance Staff-run Board Strategic Plan

Finances Stable? Understandable? $34,000 $185,000

SWOT Strengths: source of pride, staff/volunteers Weaknesses: inaccurate visitor numbers, entrances/set up Opportunities: drawing a wider audience (Intro project!) Threat: the College

Connection to class materials “Museum XYZ, Major City, USA” – moves and with them spurts of publicity that then drops off “The Historical Society of Pennsylvania” – possible financial difficulties in the future and benefit of major changes (Option 2, enhance core identity) “Leading Innovation at Kelvingrove (A)” – renovation and revamp

Summary In all areas; Mission Statement, Visitor Experience, Exhibitions, Collections, Governance and Finances the Foundation does very well within its means and capacity Ultimately, many of the objectives of the staff are currently difficult to plan for strategically Original plan of independence and then form a strategic plan and rewrite mission statement