I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause such a stir with my comment. I am sure of my sources and know what I said is true. I have a membership, we visit frequently, and yes, the visitor experience has changed.

The sea music festival had a lot of support from the Seaport in the 90's, but the argument lately has been that the people who attend the festival would be coming to the Seaport anyway (in other words, a significant number of people do not come specifically for the festival - festival attendees are people who have come to see the museum and get the unexpected bonus of a few concerts). It's too bad that my inlaws are moving house during that weekend; normally they rent a slip for their boat at the Seaport just so they can be there for the festival. That's pretty big money, and they won't be coming back if there's no sea music on their anniversary weekend!

I remember, starting right from the first one in 1981 and not letting up until maybe 1992, there was a rumor at the end of each festival that there would not be another the next year. Funding has never been certain.

I'm not sure how many folks can make it to the evening concerts, considering the prices (I may only be there during the days), but I think those are the attendances that count the most.

Does anyone know if daytime gatekeepers have a way of keeping track if incoming visitors tell them they are there specifically for the festival?

Kim