Dan's Papers - July 18, 2008

It seems that even though donations to the Children's Museum of the East End (CMEE) in Bridgehampton are up over 60 percent, the high costs of operation may still permanently close the doors.

The popular spot had finally found a permanent home on the land donated by Alan and Arlene Alda, growing from a pilot program held at East Hampton's Guild Hall to a year-round, indoor and outdoor interactive destination for children of all ages. However, signs of financial woes recently became apparent when this year's annual benefit shrank from a tent party on the Ludlow farm to a cocktail party on the CMEE grounds. Museum officials reported ticket sales were down more than 50 percent from last year for this event, which is a vital fundraising effort.

Meanwhile, according to information released to the press, CMEE's 2008 budget called for an increase in fundraising, with monthly payments of $20,000 owed for a construction loan. Ironically, this year the museum is actually $327,000 ahead of where it was last year financially, but with current operating costs, it appears that it won't be enough - as the organization's treasurer has stated that the CMEE will need to bring in $500,000 more this summer alone to survive.

One former CMEE board member has explained publicly that the delays in the museum building's construction had been a major factor in the budgetary woes, including the need to meet strict hurricane-resistant building standards, as well as the locally-legendary story of drift fencing and other impositions thought necessary to protect against any potential damage to the endangered tiger salamander.

Indications of internal problems may have first become apparent in 2007 with the departure of then-Executive Director Adrienne Kitaeff. Well-known in the media and a long-time resident, her sudden exit - publicly agreed to be a mutual decision - raised eyebrows in the community. One local community member who wished to remain anonymous mentioned that there may have been a power struggle with board members seeking more control over CMEE decision-making that led to Kitaeff's departure. (Both Kitaeff as well as other board members have declined to comment.) The Executive Director position now belongs to Steve Long, a former vice president of collections and education at the Tenement Museum on Manhattan's Lower East Side, who was formally introduced to many prospective donors at the $450-a-ticket "CMEE Under the Stars" benefit held on July 11. To his credit, Long - in his short tenure - has reportedly met with the principal of Bridgehampton High School, expressing interest in skewing the objectives of the museum to a slightly-older demographic.

In a statement to Dan's Paper, Long wrote, "I've joined CMEE at a financially critical time, but I was drawn here by what an extraordinary community resource this young museum is. We have so many ambitious and exciting plans to help grow CMEE - from new programming geared for all ages, to a broader range of exhibits and outreach initiatives ... We want children of all backgrounds to consider CMEE 'their museum.' But we can't realize any of our plans without the community behind us. We need to diversify our stakeholders, who can provide input and much needed financial support ... The feedback from recent press has been heartwarming and testimony to the value of CMEE."

Indeed, Long and the board may find themselves relying on the generosity of donors more than they would hope, as a Sunday visit to the CMEE offered a quiet afternoon. July 13 was a busy day in Bridgehampton; the art fair tents and crowds were bustling, and Main Street was practically gridlocked in both directions. Yet, arriving at 3:00 p.m., the museum parking lot was empty save three cars. Inside, there were only three families - two couples with one child, another with two - who had the run of the spacious facility. (Granted it was a perfect summer beach day.) There was no waiting for any of the exhibits - the science center, the musical instruments, the nautical display, the fire engine - all were barely occupied. One of the families sat alone in the arts-and-crafts room, with no one to share anything. The mother, was shocked to find out that the Children's Museum was in such a dire situation. "That's terrible!" she said. "There's nobody here...on a beautiful Sunday." With a nod she continued, "Well, it doesn't look good."

Lay-offs have already started, with three employees pared from the payroll, and the closing of the gift shop. Most attempts to reach the CMEE board members were unsuccessful, but Director of Programming Jacqui Leader did respond to an e-mail, offering some words on the ongoing budgetary plight of the Children's Museum of the East End:

"I am truly saddened to see all [the] hard work come to this...for my part, all I can say is I have had the wonderful experience of meeting so many creative children, teachers, performers, moms, dads and caregivers. I know there are financial problems, but I have to keep going and doing my job which is having quality programming for kids...I loved getting scholarships for kids whose parents were in a financial bind, I never hesitated to ask the local businesses to donate something for the kids workshops, because they always did."

Her sentiment echoes an observation made of the staff: while the museum was quite empty, workers remained upbeat and friendly, as well as instantly helpful. The few children who were in the museum were laughing and exploring enthusiastically, an enthusiasm the CMEE must hope to find in its donation collections before autumn arrives.