Locust Grove: Morse Historic Site

Poughkeepsie, NY

www.morsehistoricsite.org/rentals/rentals.html

Notes from a conversation 8/24/2005 with Deputy Director Kenneth Snodgrass:

Locust Grove rents space in its Visitor Center for weddings and bar-mitzvahs (15-20/yr) and conferences (20-30/yr). Large social gatherings are allowed only after 4pm, after most visitors to the historic site have left.

Rates

• West Gallery - $4,000 - accommodates 150 for dinner and dancing (includes tables & chairs).
• Additional room or lawn terrace, add'l $1,000.
• Conferences - rentals $200 - $800

Revenue

• Gross: about $80K per year
• Expenses: about $20K/yer
• Net revenue: about $60K/yr

Notes

• Wedding parties are fussy. As a result, they paint the room 4 times/year and refinish the floor every 2 years!
• Strict insurance requirements (general liability, liquor liability, & workmen's comp), paid by caterers.
• Facility has a fully equipped catering kitchen, but most caterers are prepared to work with little more than power and running water.
• Bathrooms are a major concern for clients. In retrospect, they would spend less on the kitchen and put in more, and more attractive, bathrooms.