Thread: Location, Location, Location

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Hi Everyone,

In our area we have just discovered a really cool location that is museum property run by the local chamber of commerce. The property is historical and has antique trackers, a restored fire truck, an authentically decorated gold miner's cabin, lots of antique machinery, and a working blacksmith barn.

As it turns out, they have been looking for a way to improve their visibility and to attract visitors. They love the idea of the property being used as a haunted house.

(If you are curious, here is their website: http://www.folsomhistorymuseum.org/interpretive.htm)

So, here are my questions... What are the issues, concerns, protocol, etc in working with city officials, the chamber, and properties like this one?

It's a big question I know so I'm wanting to kick off some discussion.

Thoughts?

I have no first hand experience with such a deal but what I have read, get yourself a multi-year contract if you get this far because as soon as the money seems to be rolling in all by itself, somebody's relative or friend of a board member will be replacing you. Funny how greed and money works.
A man I know was a fund raiser for a museum and he watched their attendance skyrocket as a man from England went about building life size fiberglass dinosaurs around the exterior of the building. About 4 years later, they were moved into a brand new building they did so well!

As my slooooow dial-up connection loaded the page, I thought, "What the heck IS in that frying pan in the upper left hand corner!? LOL!

I'm no help on this one...but it sounds like a great idea!

That there's gold!

...or is it California cheese?

Maybe a California cheese omelet!?

I would think the perservation of the antiques would be a big concern- I would maybe want to incorporate the time period into the haunt if possible. There there is always the Anti-halloween movement and city officials might shy away from the idea because they might feel is not PC..and of course whenever dealing with city officals- try to deal with one persona and get it in writing! LIabitly is also an issue- if someone got hurt on a prop- whos liable?

Yep, figure out early on liability insurance, security, crowd control. In a positive light, there are many locations that do Halloween events to bring in crowds, do a search and contact them for information. You might want to conact Leonard Pickle from Haunted Attractions Magazine - He always seems to be willing to share information and may be able to help with contacts.
Good luck, it sounds like a great opportunity!

Good information... Thanks folks!
(BTW, I am Deveds2 partner in crime)

I've spoken to the museum directors and a city councilman... they love the idea and will be taking it to the city council meeting this week. I'm hoping we get the approval.

Here are some thoughts I have, and would like any input on my ideas.
This outdoor museum is pretty large. I dont think Deved and I have enough 'stuff' to decorate the entire thing. We need A LOT more people. So this is what I'm thinking of doing...
You know how State Fairs' often have a County Exhibit, in which each county builds a display and they compete for the blue ribbon? What if we were to work with each of the schools in Folsom (about 20) and allow each of them a designated space to decorate and make it a competition between schools.
There would be a designated weekend for set up. They'd have Sat and Sun of the weekend prior.. and then Thursday the night before 'Go Live'.
I think I'd allow only 5 people from each school access to decorate (maybe create a special pass and give 5 to each school) to avoid TOO many people from stomping around the museum grounds.
We'd have to have strict regulations about not damaging the existing displays, use of power, not making it too gory, safety for any actors and the guests walking thru it.

I love hearing any of your thoughts on this. Thank you. I'll be posting a ton of pictures I took of the place... we need ideas of what to do with all of these displays. There are about 20-25 areas that need to be decorated. So any ideas will be appreciated.

Here everyone,

Refits, took these of the facility: http://www.deved.com/photos/fhia/

Sounds like a great oppertunity! Here's some thoughts.

Getting schools involved is fantastic. If decorating a "Space" seems too daunting for them, try a scarecrow contest first. Each school/class/art dept. to build their own.(W/found items ala trash to treasure?) Get some local high-an-mightys to judge for best in several catagories. Then have the public vote for best over all. Think media events and free advertisment.

Pumpkin Patch=sales plus is a good visual filler

Wasn't there a Scooby-Do episode bout the Miner49'er

If place is large enough, consicer splitting it in 2 areas:

1. Harvest Festival area for kiddies and nae-sayers
2. Scary haunt area only.



We do this in our cornfield maze. 1st half isn't haunted and patrons can exit at the halfway point. Or they can continue on to the 2nd half which is haunted.
Having a choice usually shuts down the anti-halloweeners.