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'Marriage' (1893) by American artist Gari Melchers (1860–1932). Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

State budget cuts impacting Virginia museums

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

'Marriage' (1893) by American artist Gari Melchers (1860–1932). Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
‘Marriage’ (1893) by American artist Gari Melchers (1860–1932). Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) – State budget cuts are impacting two museums owned by the University of Mary Washington.

The James Monroe Museum and Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont are facing budget reductions tied to state funding for higher education.

The Free Lance-Star reports that both museums have four funding sources: state allocations, sales, membership programs and the University of Mary Washington’s budget.

Officials with the James Monroe Museum say increased visitation and sales in its store are making up part of those cuts and the museum is increasing the price of admission $1 in the new year.

But Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont is seeking donations to avert a shutdown early next year instead of increasing fees because officials there said raising rates would drive patrons away.

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Information from: The Free Lance-Star, http://www.fredericksburg.com/

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AP-WF-12-26-14 1525GMT

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

'Marriage' (1893) by American artist Gari Melchers (1860–1932). Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
‘Marriage’ (1893) by American artist Gari Melchers (1860–1932). Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.