Purpose
Ball State University students are working with members of the Indiana Transportation Museum to generate more revenue by increasing museum visitors and members, recruiting volunteers, and implementing new marketing strategies. This project will help the members of ITM to reach one of their goals–building an enclosed museum facility–as well as sharing their love and knowledge of trains with the community. 

Action
The students developed and conducted a survey to help with marketing strategies. Students also researched the history of trains, toured the museum, videotaped and photographed museum events, talked with experts, and interviewed volunteers. In addition, students worked with ITM members to update its Web site. Students are working with ITM to develop a catalog of the museum's train inventory to provide to movie studios and film commissions for consideration in movies.

Results
The team created a spiral-bound volunteer manual, including volunteer opportunities, history of the railroad, testimonials of past and present volunteers, museum events and activities, and biographies of the ITM Business Fellows team. Several members also developed an audio-video promotional program. The team enhanced ITM's Web site, including photos and video downloads to help promote events. They also created a brochure to attract people to the museum. The train inventory catalog is being assembled.

Faculty Mentors
Ken Heinen, Department of Journalism
Dick Shoemaker, Department of Journalism

Partner
Indiana Transportation Museum

Students
Jennifer Adams; Margarita Bilbrey; Katie Fisher; Marina Heflin; W. Sierra Hoffman; Stefanie Keffaber; Carl Miller; Kristyn Loudermilk; Katie Montag Niese; Rebecca Palmer; Loretta Smith; Stacy Towne; Irem Tunc; Kendra Wright