Benchmarking Governance and Management Policies of House and Historic Museums in the United States: An Analysis of Policy, Practice, and Institutional Characteristics

This study benchmarks governance and management practices in small- to medium-sized house and historic museums, examining policy adoption, financial capacity, and institutional characteristics. Findings indicate that while collections management policies are widely implemented, financial oversight and emergency preparedness policies are often lacking, leaving museums vulnerable to financial and operational risks. Institutions with structured financial and fundraising policies tend to demonstrate greater stability, while those without formal governance structures rely more on earned revenue. Board size also influences policy adoption, with smaller boards more likely to implement financial controls, while larger boards may operate with less formal oversight. Although some statistical trends suggest meaningful relationships between governance policies and financial outcomes, significance varies, and correlation remains unclear. Limitations include a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should expand the dataset, incorporate qualitative methods, and assess long-term governance impacts. Strengthening financial oversight, risk management, and governance structures will be critical for ensuring the sustainability of small museums and their role in preserving and educating the public about history.