THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY AND MUSEUM OF MONEY LONG-RANGE PLAN SUMMARY 2000 - 2005

The mission of The American Numismatic Society is to be the preeminent national institution advancing the study and public appreciation of coins, medals, and related objects of all cultures as historical and artistic documents, by maintaining the foremost numismatic collection and library; by supporting scholarly research and publications; and by sponsoring educational and interpretive programs for diverse audiences.

The American Numismatic Society, housing America's most comprehensive collection of coins, medals and paper currency and the world's largest numismatic library, is moving to Manhattan's historic financial center where it will establish the new Museum of Money.

Since its founding in 1858, the Society and its staff have built an institution renowned as a center of scholarly excellence that has as its core endeavor the study and promotion of numismatics to a national and international audience. The new location, spacious and accessible, will make it possible to create a first-class Museum of Money; develop an effective Education Department that will bring ANS resources to a larger public; and expand the Library and Research Center for collectors, scholars, and researchers.

The following summary of The American Numismatic Society Plan presents goals for the years 2000-2005 and many of the practical objectives and tasks necessary to achieve them. Some tasks are included to better communicate the nature and extent of the work to be accomplished. The goals and objectives build on existing activities as well as look forward to new opportunities. They have been developed and approved by the ANS Council to further the ANS mission to advance the study and public appreciation of numismatics and to secure the Society's financial viability through membership growth and improved fund raising capability. The goals are divided according to institutional, interdependent components of the Society: programs, organization, and development, each of which must function effectively if the Society is to thrive.

A draft version of the full plan is available in html or rtf formats. A printed copy is available on request.

Comments on these documents are very welcome.

1. Develop exhibitions using the collection to illustrate history and topical subjects.
2. Design versatile space for special exhibitions developed by ANS curators, members, and other institutions.
3. Develop a national program of traveling exhibitions and seminars.

1. Enhance access to resources including secure coin viewing room, digital archive and curatorial expertise.
2. Strengthen curatorial department by increasing endowed chairs to four within three years: United States, Islamic, Margaret Thompson Greek Chair, and a chair to be determined.
3. Hire temporary curators to organize and curate collections in need of attention.
4. Develop outreach programs for specific communities i.e. training course for museum professionals.
5. Encourage curators to pursue scholarly research by providing time, resources, and institutional support.
6. Develop policies that reflect direct and indirect costs of cataloging contributions.

1. Complete cataloging component of library online system (LOAC).
2. Hire consultants to advise regarding library conservation and establishing ANS archives.
3. Provide quick search by author, title, ISBN.
4. Acquire digital format multi-volume reference works and journals.
5. Develop and install system to guide reader to works of a single author.

1. Hire experienced museum educator with exhibition and seminar expertise on consulting basis.
2. Strengthen ANS Graduate Seminar program through grants and increased endowment.
3. Develop plans for multi-purpose lecture room.
4. Develop ANS seminar series for scholars, collectors, dealers, and the general public.
5. Establish cooperative relationships with other institutions.
6. Develop Children's Center: exhibition, reading, and video area; study materials for private and classroom use.
7. Recruit volunteers to serve as docents and auxiliary staff at ANS events.

1. Make fulfillment agreement with book distribution company for ANS publications.
2. Publish series of methodological manuals over time.
3. Increase understanding of ANS collections through trade publications for interested public.
4. Develop advantageous editorial, production, distribution, and sales policies for traditional publications.

1. Use Web site to help all departments reach their goals through academic and public outreach.
2. Develop program of electronic publication of existing titles and an outlet for work not published.
3. Continue development of on-line search components for collection database and library.
4. Produce introductory exhibits to attract new audiences and members.
5. Increase collaboration with other institutions to build resources for the humanities.

1. Increase capacity for multi-format scanning.
2. Expand ANS image database by scanning slides.
3. Revise pricing structure to ensure direct and indirect costs are covered.
4. Hire and train an assistant.

1. Move ANS to Financial District.
2. Coordinate all phases of design and construction work with ANS owner's representative.
3. Construct three floors: the Library, the vault, curatorial, and administrative offices.
4. Make advance preparations for Library and vaults according to directives of specialty moving companies.
5. Develop and install surveillance system. Maintain and repair current facility and upgrade surveillance system.

1. Develop plan to identify and recruit Council members.
2. Review by-laws to insure they support fiduciary responsibility of the Council.
3. Establish yearly self evaluation and evaluation of executive director.
4. Develop fundraising strategy including Council responsibility to contribute and raise money.
5. Establish accessible committees to inform and support ANS programs and operations.
6. Ensure ANS Plan is updated yearly with Council, staff, and membership participation.

1. Increase departmental responsibility in budget development to promote accuracy and accountability.
2. Review all areas of risk: internal/external/internet.
3. Install and implement human resource programs including salary and performance evaluation.
4. Oversee and maintain computers and information services.
5. Install and implement accounting system to expedite budgeting and financial reporting.

1. Survey members regarding value of current ANS programs.
2. Coordinate and improve membership services throughout ANS program.
3. Develop effective materials and events to promote increased membership.
4. Ensure new building is a destination where membership services are available.
5. Evaluate membership fees and services regarding cost and benefits.
6. Develop programs in major cities to encourage membership outside of New York.

1. Institute fundraising program: grant prospect identification, proposal preparation and production; solicit government and foundation grants, corporate and individual contributions.
2. Hire and train development assistant; complete installation of development software.
3. Establish and support Development Committee and ad hoc committees to underwrite specific programs.
4. Solicit in-kind contributions of supplies and services.

1. Communicate ANS achievements to members, community, media through events, releases, Web site, Newsletter, and Annual Report.
2. Develop graphic identity for all ANS materials from newsletter to ads for contributed space.
3. Develop media campaign for new building with focus on collections and library.
4. Develop and promote stories for media to acquaint broader audiences with ANS programs.