Volume 32 • Number 2 • Winter 2009
CONNECTICUT
MAINE
MASSACHUSETTS
NEW HAMPSHIRE
RHODE ISLAND NEWS VERMONT EXHIBITIONS: A LOOK AHEAD
Museums create exhibits to educate THE AUDIENCE-FOCUSED EXHIBIT but also to spark the imagination and By Ann Y. Smith, Project Director, Mattatuck Museum curiosity of their visitors. Exhibits are a primary way in which we commu- n May 2008, the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center in nicate with our audiences and share Waterbury, Connecticut, opened a new 5,200 square foot exhibit our collections and the central story about the history of the region. The exhibit was unusual in several of our institutions. As Harold and respects. It was an ambitious project, with a $2 million budget and a five-year workplan. Moreover, the Mattatuck, convinced of its role Susan Skramstad said in A Hand- I as a community museum, was committed to a high level of audience book for Museum Trustees, to be input at every stage of the exhibit’s development. successful, an exhibition must be A New History for New Audiences both “insightful and inspirational.” The new exhibit replaced a highly admired history exhibit installed in 1986. Some won- To help you achieve this goal, in this dered whether it was necessary to undertake an expensive and time-consuming revision. However, the museum’s world has changed in twenty years. Today’s audiences have issue of NEMA News, we take a little leisure time and they expect compelling and media-savvy experiences when they’re look at a new approach to organizing looking for education and entertainment. They have fewer connections with their local communities than their parents had, and are looking for experiences that are easy to find exhibits, field-wide trends in exhibit and directly related to their own interests. design as well as the latest online Fortunately, the rise of new media over the last twenty years and the decreasing cost tools in design and fabrication. This of these technologies could assist the Mattatuck’s efforts to reach these new audiences. issue also describes NEMA’s re- New technologies make it possible to provide visitors with deep and self-directed access to collections and information, and to do so in a lively way. sponse to the economic recession that In addition, the museum’s director, Marie Galbraith, had led a series of community- is affecting our members and keeps based history projects over the last 15 years that yielded new collections about the lives you informed of our efforts to influ- of current residents. Centered around oral history projects in the city’s neighborhoods, ethnic communities and area businesses, these projects produced an audio archive of ence support for museums in the new 1,500 first hand accounts of local experiences and thousands of related images and arti- Administration. facts. Each project led to popular temporary exhibits in the museum and in community settings and on-line. The new collections were also the basis of publications, theater presentations, and teacher training institutes. These stories were the voices of our recent past. We wanted the new exhibit to bring the full collection to our larger audiences, to align the museum with this recent history.
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NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 1 From the President
WELCOME to the quarterly newsletter publication of his is my first opportunity to write a “From the President” message. I am pleased the New England Museum Association. NEMA News is and honored to have been elected at the 2008 conference in Warwick. Confer- a key communication and resource-sharing vehicle for ence attendance was a bit lower than it has been in recent years, but that comes the six-state membership. The goal of NEMA News is to T as no surprise given the financial difficulties that we all face. Those people who call for, respond to, and disseminate current information did attend—more than 750 in all—had good things to say about the conference. I about regional and national issues and activities relevant heard from people who were energized by Curt Columbus’ keynote address. Others to the museum profession. NEMA membership is open to museums, their staff and volunteers, students, consultants, enjoyed the variety of topics and the new and different session formats. Some of you vendors, and others who support the region’s museums. suggested that future sessions might offer even more new and different topics, and some hope that future conferences will have more advanced sessions for those who We welcome your comments and suggestions. have been in the field for a while. This feedback will be helpful to people who will be New England Museum Association planning next year’s conference. 22 Mill Street, Suite 409 I’d like to take a minute to thank everyone who worked to make the conference a Arlington, MA 02476 success: the planning committee, the session speakers, the volunteers who helped out during the conference, the local hosts, and of course the NEMA staff. Most of all, Phone: 781-641-0013 thanks to everyone who attended the conference. The best sessions in the world are Fax: 781-641-0053 wasted if they are given in an empty room or to a room full of people who remain si- Website: www.nemanet.org lent when the speaker asks for questions or comments. That was certainly not a prob- NEMA Emails: lem at this conference. Our members exhibited their enthusiasm and their willingness NEMA News: [email protected] to share information in the lively discussions that took place in the sessions and in the NEMA Jobs: [email protected] informal conversations in the exhibit hall, at the evening events, and around the hotel Exhibit Listings: [email protected] bar and lobby. Thanks to all for coming and sharing your ideas and enthusiasm. Membership/General: [email protected] This is an exciting time for NEMA. The staff, board and a task force of members and others interested in the museum field are working on a new strategic plan for the or- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ganization. You’ll learn more about that in the coming months. The plan will empha- Gail Nessell Colglazier size identifying and addressing member needs, improving the ways that NEMA uses American Independence Museum technology, and advocating for museums in the larger community. There are already President advocacy efforts underway at the national level, thanks to the coalition headed by Joshua Basseches AASLH, with participation from AAM, ASTC, AZA, AAMD and the various regional Peabody Essex Museum First Vice President groups, including NEMA. The goal of the coalition is to increase federal funding for museums. Susan Funk Mystic Seaport Even as NEMA is moving forward and has a sound financial footing, I realize that I Vice President am taking office at a difficult time for museums. All of us in the field are concerned, Anne von Stuelpnagel wondering if schools will find money for field trips, if corporate sponsors will sup- Bruce Museum port exhibits and programs, if donations will come in to the annual fund, if we can Vice President keep the doors open, and if visitors will continue to come through our doors. Even as Scott Stevens I paused in the writing of these notes, I received an e-mail describing major staff cuts Museums of Old York at a large and respected New England museum. I am afraid that we will be hearing Treasurer similar news from other museums in the coming months. Pieter Roos Newport Restoration Foundation I am an optimist by nature; my glass is always half full rather than half empty. Howev- Secretary er, even I admit that it is hard to be positive about the financial troubles we are facing. With that in mind, here a few suggestions that may help in small ways. NEMA STAFF Go back and re-read (or read for the first time if, like me, you are way behind in your Katheryn P. Viens professional reading) the Fall 2008 issue of NEMA News. It is full of helpful articles on Executive Director dealing with financial difficulities. Sign up for a PAG workshop. You get a full day’s BJ Larson worth of information for as little as $35. Save some money through NEMA’s Group Deputy Director Discount Program with W.B. Mason. Join one of our internet discussion lists and ask a Jane Coughlin question. Get ideas on how other museums handle various matters by using NEMA’s Operations Manager & Membership Coordinator Museum Policy Loan Service. Most of all, talk to your colleagues. Pick up the phone, Heather A. Riggs send an e-mail, get together for lunch. One of the most valuable things that NEMA Publications Manager & Corporate Member Services does is provide a community of peers, friends who are always willing to answer a question, offer an opinion, suggest a new approach, or simply provide a sympathetic ear, all at no cost. In difficult times, that can be priceless.
Gail Nessell Colglazier President
2 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 CONTENTS / WINTER 2009 THE RECESSION IN NEW ENGLAND MUSEUMS
By Kate Viens, NEMA Executive Director 1 The Audience-Focused Exhibit by Ann Y. Smith Museums nationwide speak of colle- As a result, NEMA is actively collect- giality, best practices, and sustainability. ing case studies that describe the ways 2 From the President When I think of New England muse- in which museums are tackling difficult ums and historical societies, the words issues related to the recession, along with 3 The Recession in New England “friendship,” “practicality” and “endur- the names of colleagues who are available Museums ance” come to mind. to have a one-on-one conversation with In preserving the unique mission of you. The NEMA office will compile these museums and other collecting institutions case studies by subject and maintain a list 5 It’s All About Visitor during an economic recession that is af- of contacts as a resource for our members. Experience: Recent fecting every sector of society, the greatest The vehicle for sharing these stories is Discussions in Exhibition resource upon which we have to draw is the NEMA museum administration dis- Design by Anne von one another, the wisdom and creativity cussion list. (If you have not already done that New England colleagues have always so, please go to the NEMA website, www. Stuelpnagel so readily shared. nemanet.org/discussionlists.htm, and sign In these few weeks following the up today for this valuable tool!) Collec- 6 Exhibit Tech: New-Tech, NEMA Conference, the conversations that tively, these case studies will provide an High-Tech, and Low-Tech for have taken place among colleagues have overview of issues that New England mu- Museums by Paul Orselli helped the NEMA staff and I to define the seums have considered and the decisions ways in which we believe we can be most they have made in addressing each topic. 10 NEMA Conference Sponsors helpful to you in the current economy. As These lessons will inform an online I wrote in an email to members on De- survey that NEMA will conduct after the and Exhibitors cember 17, here is what we know: first of the year, in which we will col- • New England museums are showing lect statistical information. Fortunately, 12 NEMA 2008 Annual Report a different, less panicked, reaction than NEMA had already planned to launch museums in other parts of the country. an online newsletter update this winter, 13 NEMA Conference Session Whether it represents a long history of where we will be able to share the survey Handouts conserving resources or a tendency to results with you in a more timely way think strategically, this is a good sign. than our print newsletter allows. 14 NEMA Board of Directors However, Please take a few minutes on the • Not all New England museums are ex- discussion list to tell us about your mu- 15 News About NEMA periencing the recession in the same way. seum’s experience and share what you We have heard of several museums that are learning. have closed or are considering closing. In addition, I invite you to visit the 17 PAG News Museums that attract donors and Board member benefits page of our website at members from the financial services or www.nemanet.org/membership. Let us 19 People insurance industries, including Connecti- know if there are any additional ways in cut institutions that draw from New York, which we may assist you. 20 Welcome New Members are being acutely affected. NEMA has been a resource for muse- • Conversations are revolving around de- ums since 1919 and will work creatively 21 Member Profile clines in the value of endowments, invest- to assist you in meeting challenges related ment income and donations rather than to the recession as long as it lasts. Our 22 From the Region earned income. Reducing administrative response is predicated on the belief that expenses, salaries in particular, is a focus although many useful tools and examples 26 Grant Deadlines of conversation, although we are hearing are to be found in other areas of the non- more talk deaccessioning. profit sector, including arts organizations 27 Grant News/News You Can • Although many museums’ fiscal years and educational institutions, one should do not end until June, most museums are be judicious in applying them to muse- Use planning now for a prolonged economic ums. downturn. There is general agreement Although none of us can be certain that no previous downturn serves as an what form museums will take in the adequate model of current conditions. decades to come, the survival of our • More than textbook advice, the New continued on page 9 England museum community yearns to understand how their colleagues are think- ing about and working through the issues News About NEMA they are facing in similar institutions. can be found on page 15. NEMA’s Response
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 3 The Audience-Focused Exhibit continued from page 1
A History of Community Because the collection database would team observed and interviewed visitor Collaborations be available to visitors in the gallery and and student reactions to these prototypes. Each of these community projects was on the museum’s website, the Mattatuck An additional session was held to test the done in partnership with community- catalogue was revised to focus on the most ambitious interactive in the pro- based advisors. The advisors identified exhibit themes and audience interests. posed exhibit, “The Community Conver- who should be interviewed and reviewed Popular phrases replaced curator jar- sation Table.” the transcriptions of their stories. They gon: “Who Owned It?” replaced “Prov- It was not always possible or desirable served as historian-trained interviewers enance.” Photographs of all objects in the for the audience comments to control the in their own communities and as a com- collections, including details, were taken final exhibit. Sometimes their suggestions munity sounding board for the museum’s and added to the database. were incompatible with historical integri- projects-in-development. They stayed Exhibit designers Nicolas Guillin ty or curatorial concerns. Sometimes their with the museum through the following and Susan Merrell of Guillin+Merrell in suggestions were inconsistent with larger years, advising on continuing programs Brooklyn, NY, prepared a gallery layout design considerations. Occasionally, the and evaluating the effectiveness of the that encouraged free-choice learning in a cost of accommodating comments from projects offered. These stories are theirs lively environment. Kiosks rich with con- the audience was beyond the means of and they help us present them truthfully. tent, hands-on low-tech interactives for the project. However, the great majority young people, audio stations filled with of visitor responses were addressed in Planning the New Exhibit: Ask thematically related excerpts from the a way that accomplished the combined Them What They Want oral histories and other media displays goals of all the Mattatuck constituents, Audiences attending the programs and gave visitors deep access to content ac- shaping revisions to the units tested and exhibits that emerged from the communi- cording to their interests. The gallery de- guiding the final design of the balance of ty collaborations were regularly surveyed sign offered a layered experience for visi- the exhibit. Wizevich returned to study through a variety of in-house techniques tors: Main Street addressed the highlights the visitor response to the completed ex- including comment books, evaluation of the exhibit; thematic clusters presented hibit this fall and has found that visitors forms and community discussions. As the the region’s history in greater depth; and in impressive numbers report that they themes and designs for the new exhibit perimeter study cases invited visitors to see themselves in this exhibit, they feel were being conceived, discussion groups delve into the collections in greater detail. connected to the stories and understand were convened to invite community re- Models and computer renderings of the the exhibit’s themes. Connecticut Magazine sponse to these ideas in their early stages. open-plan space were prepared and dis- described the exhibit as “stunning” and We held discussions with our commu- cussed during the ongoing meetings with “brilliant” and the audience loves it. nity advisors, area educators and regional the Mattatuck community advisors. leaders to see how the themes proposed What Next? for the new exhibit resonated with them. Get Help Listening The exhibit concludes with a remark- The themes themselves were developed Sometimes, it’s best to have a specialist able “Community Conversation Table,” a by a first-rate panel of historians and were help you listen. Audience evaluator Karen media exhibit that invites visitors to ap- then tested with audiences early on: what Wizevich, Ph. D., of Exhibit Planning ply the things they’ve learned about the did audiences want to know about these and Evaluation in West Hartford, CT, past to current issues in the community. topics? What had they enjoyed about helped us hear what the audiences were Visitors can run for office and see if their other history exhibits or historical presen- saying as we tested a series of exhibit views on current hot topics are popular tations? Participants told us they wanted prototypes. Fully operating kiosks were with the other visitors. They can trace the exhibit to connect to things that were prepared for several proposed exhibit the changing demographic and economic important to their lives today, to look at components, including Fortune’s Story, features of the region over the last 50 years history through the lives of real people in the Waterbury House Tour and neighbor- in a dynamic application of GIS mapping. the past, and to tell the truth: to show the hood history kiosk (tested as a website). Our hope is that they will see that the fu- bad with the good. They wanted easily to After these were in operation for a year, ture is a product of the past, and that they be able to find things that were interesting Wizevich studied visitors in the gallery will see themselves in both. to them. They didn’t want to be bored. through observation and interviews, and reported on their interaction with content, What Have You Got To Lose? Listen to What They Say design and ergonomics. After the script There’s a risk in inviting your audi- The exhibit script was written by his- was ready, full size label mock-ups were ence to help you plan an exhibit. How do torian Jeremy Brecher, exhibit specialist prepared for visitor testing of the text you find the right audience representa- Stuart Parnes and project director/curator and graphic design. Full size mock-ups tives to include in the discussion? When Ann Smith. We tried to write labels with of two of the low-tech interactives, “Build should you test the prototypes? If you do the visitor in mind: labels that were short, the Village” and “Risky Business,” were that posed questions to the visitor and tested with elementary school students that connected historical events to current and young teens. Once again, Wizevich’s issues. continued on page 7
4 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 IT’S ALL ABOUT VISITOR EXPERIENCE: RECENT DISCUSSIONS IN EXHIBITION DESIGN
By Anne Von Stuelpnagel, Director of Exhibitions, Bruce Museum
s our institutions strive to increase to touch or not. been the issue of seating in exhibitions. audience, the ease and comfort that Perceptible information begins with Granted, most art galleries have more or A visitors encounter as they move adequate lighting, not just of the objects, less comfortable benches placed either through our exhibitions becomes but also the interpretive text, which in the middle of the hall or sometimes an important factor. Good exhibit design should be produced in legible and well deliberately in front of a key painting. is about more than just aesthetics or com- contrasted type (see AAM/Metropolitan Almost always, however, these benches municating information, it is also about Museum of Art, Standards Manual for are part of the museum’s standard fur- improving the audience’s experience Signs and Labels, 1995). It can also include niture. Hands-on exhibits invite visitors when interacting with the material that a system of exhibition-specific symbols to to sit down at certain interactive stations we present. Recently, some areas of ex- guide visitors through the show. in order to properly operate or engage in hibit design have emerged as particular Tolerance for error allows visitors to the activity. In these cases, the seating has topics of interest. Here are a few of the learn by making mistakes, be a bit messy been a consideration in the exhibit design, issues that are being discussed: or hit “undo” or “reset” buttons in com- and although one will often find off-the- puter and other electronic interactives. shelf stools, many exhibits feature seating Universal design Regarding physical effort: surely, especially designed and built as part of Barrier-free or accessible design and most of us have experienced stiff muscles the overall presentation. assistive technology were developed for after an hour or so looking at art. Why? But what about places of respite in people with disabilities, but despite good Objects and/or labels mounted too high hands-on exhibitions? Sadly, not too intentions often resulted in separate solu- or too low require the visitor to lift his or many examples were cited here. And tions away from the general public’s ac- her head higher than comfortable or bend yet, not all adults accompanying small cess or use. Universal design emerged as down repeatedly (the AAM bookstore children can be expected to keep up with a concept from these efforts, but strives to http://iweb.aam-us.org/Purchase/Search- their energy or get down on the floor with find solutions for everyone’s physical use, Catalog.aspx features a variety of publica- them. They would be well served with not just those with disabilities, while plac- tions on basic exhibit design that address comfortable, integrated seating next to ing importance on aesthetic appearance. comfortable viewing heights). an activity, from where they can observe, Universal design penetrates all aspects Hands-on interactive exhibitions must encourage and participate. of daily life—architecture, wayfinding, consider ergonomics: small children as product design, etc.—and it is based on the well as older adults (and those with dis- Families in Museums following seven principles: abilities) may have limited dexterity, and It is a known fact that families make 1. Equitable use the rest of us will most likely also appreci- up a significant percentage of a museum’s 2. Flexibility in use ate large, easy-to-operate knobs, handles, audience; in fact, 40% on average at all 3. Simple and intuitive cranks, switches and buttons. It helps to museums and a much higher percent- 4. Perceptible information look at toy designs for preschoolers such age at science museums are family visi- 5. Tolerance for error as Fisher Price or Playskool® for inspira- tors. The family (which can be defined 6. Low physical effort tion. Easy-to-follow instructions should as a small multi-generational group of 7. Size and space for approach and use be placed next to them, for one should not people related to or familiar with each How, then, is universal design applied assume that all visitors will read a label other) voluntarily comes to a museum in exhibitions? It seems obvious, but it’s first. for informal learning, social interaction not always that simple. Equitable use is Many smaller museums with small and entertainment. How does that impact the hardest to achieve as it aims to pro- galleries struggle with allowing sufficient exhibition development and design? In vide full access for all visitors regardless of space either for viewing art or objects, her article “Why Family Learning in Exhi- size, age, ability or other personal factors. engaging in hands-on activities or simply bitions” in NAME’s professional journal The ultimate goal is true inclusion so that letting two wheelchairs pass each other. Exhibitionist (Spring 2008), Minda Brown, no one stands out. But any design choice Rethinking and possibly streamlining Director of Research and Evaluation at by its nature will already limit total inclu- the curatorial content will free up space, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, sion. Flexible use is often a better option: provide for a more comfortable visit and writes, “Designers have to move from above all, one has to keep in mind the visi- likely make a more elegant design. designing for the individual user [as well tor’s physical ability and comfort as he or as same-generational groups] to creating she interacts with the exhibition. Adult Comfort: Seating experiences for multi-age groups. Educa- Simple and intuitive design means that One of the recent topics of discussion tors have to become more involved in the visitors easily understand what happens among NAME (National Association for exhibition development process in order in the exhibit or an area, what they are Museum Exhibitions, a standing profes- to bring their understanding of the learn- expected to do and what they may be able sional committee of AAM) members has continued on page 8
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 5 EXHIBIT TECH: NEW-TECH, HIGH-TECH, AND LOW-TECH FOR MUSEUMS
By Paul Orselli, Chief Instigator, POW! Paul Orselli Workshop, Inc.
’m always interested in finding new Hacking the Wii with Johnny Lee: ers, and designers from coast to coast. tools, technologies and techniques for www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ You can buy everything from a single spe- I my own museum exhibit design proj- johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_ cialty fastener to a replacement wheel for ects. When I’m not creating interactive hacks.html a railroad boxcar (literally!) and usually exhibits with cool new technologies, I often Johnny Lee, a researcher from Carnegie receive it the next day. If you don’t know write about exhibit tools and tips on my Mellon, graciously shares his low-cost about McMaster-Carr already, a whole ExhibiTricks blog: blog.orselli.net. technology hacks (via YouTube!) with new world of materials and possibilities I also maintain the ever-expanding $40 Wii controllers to show how to make awaits you inside! “Great Big Exhibit Resource List” of inexpensive touch screen and tracking de- materials and suppliers divided up into vices. Lee’s sincerity and enthusiasm for SketchUp: sketchup.google.com convenient categories at: www.orselli.net/ spreading his ideas provides great exhibit Often affectionately called “AutoCAD for sources.htm design inspiration. Dummies” Google’s SketchUp program is But for now, here’s a rapid-fire run- a user-friendly 3D rendering and presen- Spoonflower: www.spoonflower. tation program that is very easy to learn. down of some of my current favorite com/welcome Even better, the basic version is free! exhibit technologies and technology Spoonflower is a website that lets you SketchUp is a great tool for sharing as sources. “Technology” to me is very inclu- upload your own full-color designs that well. The Google 3D Warehouse features sive, incorporating both “low” and “high” can then be printed directly onto fabric freely available models for download, tech, as well as resources for employing for any number of exhibit design and including those of interest to museum tools and technologies in our museum fabrication uses. work. Most importantly, the technologies and exhibits folks. MAKE Magazine: makezine.com and resources below are flexible, afford- ScreenKeys: www.screenkeys.com In the past few years MAKE Magazine’s able, and maintainable, probably three of ScreenKeys are programmable LCD key print and online versions have tapped into the most important considerations when switches with an integrated graphical the eclectic “maker” community of build- thinking about “Exhibit Tech.” LCD display and multi-colored LED ers, artists, and others interested in the DIY backlighting mounted on a push but- Digital Picture Frames: www. (Do It Yourself) ethos. Both the magazine ton mechanism. Think of them as mini, digiframes.com and website are packed with great tips, changeable computer screens in an ex- Need to incorporate a video element into resources, and projects. Now the MAKE hibit button. ScreenKeys really opens up a an exhibition on the cheap? Digital pic- group has expanded to include CRAFT new set of possibilities for how to use the ture frames may be the way to go. Great magazine and a new MAKE TV show on ubiquitous exhibit push button. resolution and built-in memory and pro- PBS. Highly recommended. gramming options are now standard on TAP Plastics www.tapplastics.com/ most models. Cool Tools: www.kk.org/cooltools info/video.php Kevin Kelly’s online compendium of tools TAP Plastics has provided dozens of free, AfriGadget: www.afrigadget.com that “really work.” In Mr. Kelly’s words, A great site for low-tech exhibit design detailed videos on how to master basic “A cool tool can be any book, gadget, soft- skills like standard fiberglass repair, mold inspiration showing appropriate technol- ware, video, map, hardware, material, or ogy solutions from Africa. making, or even how to build your own website that is tried and true.” I’ve found plastic bender. CleanWriter: by Pilot www. lots of great exhibit resources here. pilotnbd.com/ChalklessBoard Magic Tape: www.elshine.it/ FindSounds website: www. inglese/magictapes.htm The Pilot Pen Company originally made findsounds.com these “Magna-Doodles on steroids” for Magic Tape is one of those cool technolo- If you’ve ever been putting together an gies that just may be an application an- industrial clean rooms and hospitals. audio or video project and needed to add This is a great technology to use when swer in search of a design question, but a particular sound to the mix, the Find- I’ve included it on this list nevertheless. you want a drawing activity without the Sounds website is for you. Sort of like hassle of loose paper and pens. The notion of a thin, flexible low-energy Google for sounds, just search for a term light source is very appealing, and it’s Instructables: www.instructables. like “elephant roar” or “umbrella open- why I keep thinking of an excuse to in- com ing” and FindSounds will direct you to an clude Magic Tape in a future project. A great source of user-generated projects audio file you can download. with copious step-by-step instructions. P.O.P. Design: www.popdesign. McMaster-Carr: www.mcmaster.com If you ever get stuck for exhibit ideas, or com Before McMaster-Carr went online, their creative technology solutions, check out You know those displays for cosmetics, big fat catalog with the distinctive yellow Instructables! or soda pop, or snacks you see near the cover was the “bible” for tinkerers, build- checkout of your local grocery or drug
6 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 store? Well those are called P.O.P. (for a clearinghouse for materials like super Point Of Purchase) displays, and the little powerful magnets, nitinol wire, or ura- HIRING flashing lights, audio chips, or color- nium ore. a Director or Curator? changing substrates in the thousands (or millions!) of multiple displays that are Sublime Stitching: NEED HELP WITH sublimestitching.com/tools.html produced really drive the cost of those Recruiting? Finally, to end up on a little less poten- display gizmos and materials down. Screening? tially explosive note, Sublime Stitching Now cash-strapped museum design- offers a number of items of use to creative ers can find out about the latest P.O.P. exhibit designers, especially their colorful Museum materials, as well as suppliers, from this selection of glow-in-the-dark string! online version of the P.O.P. world’s print Search & Reference magazine. Did I miss any of your favorite exhibit technologies or technology sources? Feel Marilyn Hoffman Ponoko and Photomake: www. Principal ponoko.com free to email me at [email protected] and Computer-controlled devices using lasers, your suggestion may show up in a future Executive Search water-jets, and cutting tools allow us to NEMA News article or The Great Big for Museums create intricate exhibit pieces out of exotic Exhibit Resource List! Manchester, NH / Boston, MA substrates (or exact multiples of those piec- es) never before possible. Unfortunately, 603-432-7929 even though desktop or small workshop [email protected] www.museumsearchandreference. versions of these tools are becoming more com affordable and commonplace, many of us The Audience-Focused Exhibit continued from page 4 can’t currently utilize, or afford to utilize, Clients include: RISD Museum, these technologies. Enter Ponoko, a web- Peabody Essex Museum, it too early, the ideas aren’t ripe; if you do site that allows you to upload your design, Old Sturbridge Village, it too late, you may not be able to make all Worcester Art Museum, choose a substrate, and order the units you Hill-Stead Museum, the changes you’d like. How do you adju- want their tools to create. Now Ponoko’s Higgins Armory Museum, dicate among the suggestions of the histo- Photomake service has even eliminated Hyde Collection, Abbe Museum, rians, the designer, the audience and the the need for high-end computer software. budget? And calm those whose opinions With Photomake, just hand-draw your de- are not evident in the final exhibit? sign, send Ponoko a digital photo or scan, Your decisions on these matters in and they’ll ship you back your finished Running out your community will be different than product! ours. But as community museums, our of closet Lenticular Graphics: www. future depends on our ability to bring all rwcdigitalgraphics.com/rwc_4.html the partners to the process: the historians, space? The effects and sizes of lenticular graphics the designers and the audience, to create have greatly expanded—making them a something that reflects thoughtfully and perfect addition to the exhibit designer’s well on our shared past. Talk to us about our technology toolkit. Unfortunately, like many specialty printing jobs, if you just Credits: The exhibit was generously sup- creative archival needed a few items, the set-up charges ported by grants from the Connecticut were often prohibitive. RWC Digital pro- Humanities Council, the IMLS, the State of re-housing solutions. duces excellent lenticulars at an afford- Connecticut and many private foundations, able price, even if you need just one or corporations and individuals. two of something. Museum Textile Service provides To see pictures of the exhibit, go to www.Mat- textile conservation & collections Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories: tatuckMuseum.org and www.GuillinMerrell. care for collectors and collecting www.evilmadscientist.com com. To see one of the interactives on African institutions throughout the region. You have to love a company with a name Americans in 18th century Waterbury, go to like this! They offer many interesting and www.Fortune Story.org and www.Guillin- open-ended electronics kits using sensors, Merrell.com. LEDS, and programmable interfaces that are perfect for exhibit use. Museum Textile Services Camille Myers Breeze, Director United Nuclear: www. [email protected] unitednuclear.com 978-851-0110 Need something a bit “dangerous” for a project? Then check out United Nuclear,
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 7 Exhibition Design continued from page 5 ing styles of different age groups into the recently some changed their mission ing museum attendance and competition exhibition design process.” Brown refers from serving children to serving families. from at-home electronic amusements, to a study that was undertaken in 1998 by Brown cites numerous museums who a primary attraction of the museum the Philadelphia/Camden Informal Sci- have revised their exhibits to address is its role as a social gathering place.” ence Education Collaborative (PISEC) to families, such as The Franklin Institute, And it well behooves us to build up this examine how exhibitions can be changed Monterey Bay Aquarium and USS Consti- strength. This sentiment was echoed by in order to serve [family] groups. “PISEC tution Museum, by adding an extra layer Curt Columbus, Artistic Director of Trin- created a list of seven characteristics of to existing exhibitions, or rethinking new ity Repertory Company, in his keynote family-friendly exhibits: installations. address at the 2008 NEMA Conference. • Multi-sided—the family can cluster Minda Brown further notes, “The So take a fresh look at the design of your around the exhibit content for family learning in museums exhibits—do they invite use by a diverse • Multi-user—interaction allows for comes only in part from museum exhibi- audience? Does the design invite the several sets of hands and bodies tions and programs. The rest of the dis- visitor to interact with the material? Do • Accessible—the exhibit can be comfort- course derives from the background and your exhibits offer a comfortable space ably used by children and adults experience of the family members them- in which families and other groups can • Multi-outcome—observation and inter- selves who exchange information at the gather and exchange ideas? By their action are sufficiently complex to foster exhibition. Thus museum offerings serve construct, museums are natural social group discussion as catalysts for discourse among family gathering spaces. And it well behooves us • Multi-modal—the activity appeals to members. It is important for a museum to build upon this strength. different learning styles and levels of to be a facilitator and not an obstacle to knowledge family exchange.” And she concludes her • Readable—text is arranged in easily- article writing, “Accommodating small understood segments groups in the museum requires a new • Relevant—the exhibit provides cogni- approach to design. There needs to be tive links to visitors’ existing knowledge repetition (multiple stations offering the and experience.” same experience) and collaboration (one Leading the way to new approaches station requiring multiple users to create have been children’s museums, but only the experience.)…in these days of declin-
8 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 The Recession in New England Museums continued from page 3 unique mission as museums and collect- Eighty percent of any additional fund- including NEMA are also working on a ing institutions depends on the decisions ing above $72 million would be allocated comprehensive legislative agenda that we make today. This recession is a test of to a formula grants program, and 20% will be brought to Capital Hill in the new will, no matter what the impact is on our would be allocated to national programs. administration. operations: the will to increase communi- Fifty percent of additional funding above In the meantime, in order to assist ty support, to convince public and private $95 million would be allocated to a for- museums during the current economic funders that museums are essential, and mula grants program, and 50% would be recession, AAM and other service or- above all to strengthen the educational allocated to national programs. ganizations in addition to NEMA are and stewardship mission of our institu- This proposal represents a vision of developing resources. The AAM website tions. If we can accomplish these things, dramatically increasing IMLS funding. It features information to help museums than the recession will truly have been a represents an important collaboration of see the big picture and offers practical refiner’s fire. the national organizations, builds national advice on fundraising, cutbacks, market- programs, and adds programs that vari- ing and management in these financially New Opportunities ous segments of the field have stated they difficult times: Access to Finding Calm in NEMA is pleased to support the need. It supports small museums and ap- Crisis: A Museum Survival Guide (www. proposal for IMLS Reauthorization that pears to provide the time needed to craft aam-us.org/survivalguide.cfm). Locally, AAM, AAMD, ASTC, AZA, and the Fed- a viable state formula grants program. the Maine Arts Commission has posted eral Formula Grant Coalition developed Many colleagues have watched valuable information on its website, mai- and presented to the field in early De- President-elect Obama in interviews and nearts.maine.gov/Services/economiccrisis. cember. This proposal, which covers the visited his website, www.change.gov, to shtml. next five years, provides for an increase in hear his comments on the arts, culture, IMLS funding for national programs from and historic preservation. NEMA has $30 million to $45 million; an additional added its name to a position paper that $2 million for state needs assessments; is being issued from the museum field to and an additional $25 million for new na- the Obama Transition Team that presents tional programs, to include conservation the above proposal for IMLS Reauthoriza- programs, traveling exhibitions and a fast tion. AAM and other national, regional track grants program for small museums. and state museum service organizations
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 9 Thank You! We couldn’t have done it without you!—The New England Museum Association wishes to thank the presenters, host institutions, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, conference co-chairs, local planning committee, program committee and scholarship committee. The annual conference is a wonderful example of collaboration: more than 200 NEMA members were involved in organizing this year’s program!
Conference Sponsors [email protected]; culturecount.org www.arcadiapublishing.com Directors & Trustees Dinner Gallery Systems, Inc. art2art Circulating Exhibitions Museum Search & Reference Anna J. Kisluk, Business Development Hava Gurevich, Director Marilyn Hoffman, Principal Executive 334 East 74th Street, Suite 1A 45 Hardy Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053 261 West 35th Street, 12th Floor New York, NY 10021 Phone: 603-432-7929 New York, NY 10001-1092 Phone: 914-725-1045 [email protected] Phone: 646-733-2239, ext. 235 [email protected]; art2art.org www.MuseumSearchandReference. [email protected] Benefactor Travel com www.gallerysystems.com Marieke Peleman, Dir. of Marketing Huntington T. Block Insurance 59 Bancroft Road, Holden, MA 01520 Exhibit Hall Opening Reception Agency, Inc. Phone: 919-260-2985 Harvard University Extension School, Jeff Minett, Senior Vice President [email protected] Master of Liberal Arts in Museum 199 Water Street, 30th Floor www.benefactortravel.com Studies New York, NY 10038 Linda Newberry, Assistant Director Brad Larson Media Phone: 212-479-4673 Brad Larson, President 51 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138 www.huntingtontblock.com Phone: 617-496-4966 18 Washington St., #241, Canton, MA [email protected] Stepping Stones Museum for 02021 extension.harvard.edu/museum Children Phone: 781-784-1602 Carol Brennan-Smith, Director of New [email protected]; www. Newcomers Meeting Ventures bradlarson.com Tufts University’s Museum Studies 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 Campbell Center for Historic Program Phone: 202-899-0606, ext. 222 Preservation Studies Angela Foss, Program Administrator [email protected] Sharon Welton, Program Director Graduate Studies www.steppingstonesmuseum.org 203 E. Seminary, PO Box 66 Ballou Hall, Medford, MA 02155 Mount Carroll, IL 61053 Phone: 617-627-2320 Conference Exhibitors Phone: 815-244-1173 [email protected] Acuity-vct, Inc [email protected] ase.tufts.edu/MuseumStudies Randy Stankie, Director www.campbellcenter.org Welcome and Wake-up Sponsors 26404 Center Ridge Road, Bldg B1 ChemArt Cleveland, OH 44145 Acadia Insurance Company Lee Rush, Marketing Executive Phone: 440-808-8980 Jim Tammaro, CIC, Dir. Inland Marine 15 New England Way, Lincoln, RI [email protected] One Acadia Commons, PO Box 9010 02865 www.acuity-vct.com Westbrook, ME 04098-5010 Phone: 401-333-9200 Phone: 800-870-1170, ext. 1620 American Association of Museums [email protected]; www.chemart. [email protected] Sarah Oakman, Marketing Assistant com www.acadiainsurance.com 1575 Eye Street, NW, Suite 400 Connecticut League of History Washington, DC 20005 Markel Insurance Company Organizations Phone: 208-289-1818 Heather White, Sr. Marketing Priscilla Brendler, Executive Director [email protected]; www.aam-us.org Associate 940 Whitney Ave. Hamden, CT 06517 4600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 American Association for State and Phone: 203-624-9186 Phone: 800-431-1270, ext. 1724 Local History [email protected]; www.clho.org [email protected] Gina Sawyer, Membership & Copley Harris Co. Inc. www.markelmuseums.com Information Manager Jane DiGangi, VP, Client Services 1717 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203 Shawmut Design and Construction 106 High Street, Danvers, MA 01923 Phone: 615-320-3203 Helena Downing, Executive Assistant Phone: 978-750-1028 [email protected]; www.aaslh.org 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 [email protected]; copleyharris. Phone: 617-622-7526 Applewood Books com [email protected] Sue Cabezas, Executive Vice-President Creation Station LLC www.shawmut.com 1 River Road, Carlisle, MA 01741 Diane Wilson, President/Member Phone: 781-271-0055 5888 West 71st Street Supporting Sponsors [email protected]; awb.com Indianapolis, IN 46278 CultureCount Arcadia Publishing Phone: 317-291-8444 Ann Dubensky, Online Services Hilary Zusman, Assistant Acquisitions [email protected] Associate Editor www.famousbe-an.com 145 Tremont Street, 7th Floor 224 State St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 Creative Company Boston, MA 02111 Phone: 603-436-7610 Phone: 617-951-0010, ext. 529 [email protected]
1 0 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 Dick Ruehrwein, Publisher 20036 National Council on Public History 1082 St. Moritz Phone: 202-653-4639 John Dichtl, Executive Director Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 [email protected]; www.imls.gov 327 Cavanaugh—IUPUI Phone: 812-537-5731 International Barging Tours 425 University Boulevard [email protected] Patricia Sayre Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140 www.creativesitebooks.com 6992 Turnpin View Drive Phone: 317-274-2718 Deschamps Printing Co. Inc. Cincinnati, OH 45244-3977 [email protected], www.ncph.org Gina Deschamps, Owner Phone: 513-324-2938; patsayre@fuse. National Ticket Company 3 Dodge St., PO Box 127, Salem, MA net Thomas Tessitore, Account Manager 01915 www.internationalbicycletours.com PO Box 547, Shamokin, PA 17872 Phone: 978-744-2152 IFCPP New England Area Chapter Phone: 800-829-0829 [email protected] c/o Harvard Art Museum [email protected] www.deschampsprinting.com 32 Quincy St., Cambridge, MA 02138 www.nationalticket.com Donnegan Systems Phone: 617-495-4040 Public Humanities Program, Brown Mike Melanson, Director of Sales [email protected] University 102 Otis St., Northboro, MA 01532 www.ifcpp.org Chelsea Shriver, Administrative Phone: 800-222-6311, ext. 305 Lighting Services Inc Coordinator [email protected] Brooks Walsh, Senior Regional Box 1880, 1357 Benefit Street www.donnegan.com Manager Providence, RI 02912 The Donning Company Publishers 3 Pine Field Land, S. Dennis, MA Phone: 401-863-1177 Scott Rule, Marketing Director 02660 [email protected] 306 N. Kansas Ave., Marceline, MO Phone: 508-760-0645 www.brown.edu/JNBC 64658 [email protected] Richard White Sons Phone: 660-376-3543, ext. 3278 www.LightingServicesInc.com Kenneth R. White, Director of [email protected]; www.donning. Manask & Associates Business Development com Catherine Lorrimer 70 Rowe St., Auburndale, MA 02466 Endowment Solutions, Inc. 209 W. Alameda Avenue, Suite 103 Phone: 617-332-9500 Richard Lange, V.P. Finance & Burbank, CA 91502 [email protected]; www.rwsons. Administration Phone: 818-557-0635 com 9 Bartlet St., #200, Andover, MA 01810 [email protected]; www.manask. Seaber Turner Book Printing Phone: 617-497-2222 com Tom Turner, Owner [email protected] Markel Insurance Company 436 Coronet Dr., Blandon, PA 19510 www.endowmentsolutions.com Heather White, Sr. Marketing Phone: 610-944-6871 eTapestry Associate [email protected] John Marshall, Regional Account Executive 4600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060 Skinner, Inc. 3107 W Airport Blvd, Suite 120 Phone: 800-431-1270, ext. 1724 Catherine Riedel, Dir., Marketing & Greenfield, IN 46140 [email protected] PR Phone: 888-739-3827 www.markelmuseums.com 357 Main Street, Bolton, MA 01740 [email protected] MasterPak Phone: 978-779-6241 www.etapestry.com Caroline Smith, Product Development www.skinnerinc.com Far Horizons Manager Systematics, Inc. Tiru Irani, President 145 East 57th Street - 5th Floor Jocelyn Massicotte, Associate 135 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Montvale, NJ 07645 New York, NY 10022 Marketing Specialist Phone: 201-529-4691; [email protected] Phone: 800-922-5522 9 Otis St., Westborough, MA 01581 Harvard University Extension School, Please note that the following was Phone: 508-366-1306 Master of Liberal Arts in Museum incorrect in the Conference Program. [email protected] Studies Below is the correct information: www.systematicsinc.com Linda Newberry, Assistant Director [email protected] Tour-Mate Systems 51 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138 www.masterpak-usa.com Lyn Taylor Phone: 617-496-4966 MBA Design & Display Products Corp. 137 St. Regis Cres. S [email protected] Dan Murray, New England Regional Toronto, ON M3J 1Y6 extension.harvard.edu/museum Sales Phone: 416-636-5654 Huntington T. Block Insurance 35 East Uwchlan Avenue, Suite 318 [email protected] www.tourmate. Agency, Inc. Exton, PA 19341 com Jeff Minett, Senior Vice President Phone: 800-635-7386 U.S. Art Company 199 Water Street, 30th Floor [email protected] Mark Silverman, Senior Vice President New York, NY 10038 www.mba-worldwide.com 66 Pacella Drive Phone: 212-479-4673 Meridian Printing Randolph, MA 02386 www.huntingtontblock.com Robert Nangle, President Phone: 781-986-6500, 1-800-USARTCO iMarc 1538 South County Trail [email protected]; www.usart.com Kim Jackson, Marketing Coordinator East Greenwich, RI 02818 University Products 14 Inn St., Newburyport, MA 01950 Phone: 401-885-4882 John Dunphy, Director of Marketing Phone: 978-462-8848 [email protected] 517 Main Street [email protected]; www.imarc.net www.meridianprinting.com Holyoke, MA 01040 IMLS Phone: 800-628-1912 Tim Carrigan, Staff Assistant [email protected] 1800 M St. NW, Washington, DC NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 1 1 NEW ENGLAND MUSEUM ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT, 2008
Mission Statement workshops to additional states in 2009. Professional Affinity Groups (PAGs) The mission of NEMA is to strengthen • NEMA launched and promoted a Current NEMA served 581 colleagues at workshops member museums and museums in the Exhibitions page on our website, www.nem- in 2008, our highest number since 2001 and region. To achieve this mission, NEMA anet.org, where the museum-going public an increase from 547 in 2007. In addition to fosters communication and ethical conduct; can view exhibit listings and link to the web Save Your Collections (140 participants), PAGs provides professional development; pro- pages of NEMA’s Institutional Members. conducted: motes excellence in museum operations; • NEMA is partnering with AAM to plan Caring for Historical Records (co-sponsored and encourages support for the museum the first Museums Advocacy Day on Capitol with New England Archivists), March 28, community. Hill for February 24, 2009, and is a member 2008 [18 participants] Membership – 1,412 of the Federal Formula Grants Coalition as Head out of Your House: Moving Your Site and one part of a broad-based strategy to in- Institutional Members: 452, Individual Yourself out into the Big Wide World, Middle- crease public funding for museums. Members: 754, Corporate Members: 137, In- sex Canal Museum, North Billerica, MA, dependent Museum Professional Members: • NEMA partnered with the American May 2, 2008 [24 participants] 69, for a total of 1,412 members. Association for State and Local History to Evaluation: What, When and Why, Old Stur- pilot the AASLH Standards Project, work- bridge Village, Sturbridge, MA, May 12, Board of Directors – 19 members ing with six museums in New England. 2008 [51 participants] As approved by the membership, eleven of This program, when it is launched to the Put Your Best Foot Forward: Practical Training the nineteen positions will change hands. field in 2009, will have the potential to help for Frontline Staff and Managers, Fitchburg We will welcome three new members to the museums of all disciplines having a budget Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA, May 19, 2008 board, seven current board members will of $500,000 or less demonstrate progress in [65 participants] assume new responsibilities, and one will achieving field-wide standards. Membership, Development, PR and Marketing be reelected to her current position. Our • NEMA is working with NEDCC and Annual Meeting, National Heritage Museum, warmest thanks to outgoing President Kent our members to include Massachusetts Lexington, MA, May 29, 2008 [68 partici- dur Russell, Vice President Susan Leidy, and museums in their towns’ Comprehensive pants] Massachusetts Representative Ellie Donovan Emergency Management Plans as part of for their extraordinary guidance, support the Massachusetts pilot for the IMLS-funded Yankee Ingenuity: Building a Museum Work- and service to NEMA and the New England COSTEP project: An Emergency Response shop to Save Money, Museum of Science, museum community. Framework for the Cultural Community. Boston, MA, May 30, 2008 [30 participants] Grants - $14,150 NEMA also serves on the national Advisory Traveling Exhibitions: What You Need to Know, Committee for this project. Slater Mill Historic Site, Pawtucket, RI, June NEMA received an award of $5,400 for FY09, 10, 2008 [32 participants] the first of a 3-year cycle of Operating Sup- Annual Conference What Every Curator Needs to Know, Part II: port from the Massachusetts Cultural Coun- NEMA increased the number of scholar- Curating in the 21st Century, Danforth Muse- cil. In addition, we received $5,000 from the ships awarded this year. Twenty-six scholar- um of Art, Framingham, MA, June 16, 2008 Connecticut Humanities Council, $1,000 from ships were awarded to the 2008 Conference, [51 participants] the Maine Humanities Council and $2,750 up from 15 in 2007. Our 2009 Conference from Mass Humanities for Save Your Collec- will be held November 11-13 in Nashua, Your Vision & Their Mission: Exhibit Program- tion. NH, with the theme Promises to Keep: Vision ming Within the Parent Institution, Montserrat College of Art Gallery, Beverly, MA, June Strategic Planning and Value in Museums. 25, 2008 [21 participants] Publications – Print and Web-based In May, a six-member Steering Committee The Board and CEO Partnership: Building Great of Board members and current and former 2008 NEMA Salary and Benefits Survey, which Museums, Currier Museum of Art, Manches- PAG Chairs convened a Task Force of two- includes data on 41 salaried positions from ter, NH, July 14, 2008 [81 participants] dozen Board members, PAG Chairs, mem- more than 170 New England museums. We bers and outside stakeholders who identi- *Please see page 17 and earlier issues of are pleased to announce the publication of NEMA News for 2008 PAG leadership fied strategic goals for the next 3-5 years. this new survey. Action steps are being written, and the plan changes. NEMA News – 36-page quarterly journal. will be presented to the Board of Directors Other Services 2008 issues: Museum Leadership (winter), for approval this winter. The Green Movement in Museums (spring), NEMA Discussion Lists – for all members, New Programs – Advocacy, Promoting Trends in Museum Education (summer), including all staff of Institutional and Cor- Museums, Best Practices, Emergency Fundraising for Today (fall). porate Members. Museum Policy Loan Preparedness NEMA Jobs – an online listing of museum Service and RFP Distribution Service for Institutional Members. NEMA listserv for During the past year, NEMA has strategi- job openings, updated weekly Independent Museum Professional and Cor- cally engaged in new programs to address Reciprocal Admission and Membership Direc- porate Members. Publication Awards rec- the needs of our members, who represent tory—Institutional Membership benefit. ognize excellence in New England museum both large and small museums of every Museums that participate in the program publications’ design and content. discipline: offer discounted or free admission to staff • With the support of their state humanities from other participating museums. councils, NEMA expanded our introducto- Employer’s Handbook: A Guide to Personnel ry-level workshops, Save Your Collection…A Practices and Policies for Museums (2004) Primer for Small Museums and Historical Products and Services Directory – an online Societies, to three states: Massachusetts, listing of companies and consultants, con- Maine and Connecticut. We will bring the tinuously updated.
1 2 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 New England Museum Association ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION HANDOUTS ANNUAL MEETING Friday, November 14, 2008 Handouts from the 2008 Annual Confer- ence in Warwick, Rhode Island are now available. To receive handouts, write to BJ Financial Report (audited June 30, 2008) Larson at NEMA. List the titles you wish Income to order, your mailing address, and en- 2008 Value 2007 Value close $3 for each handout packet to cover photocopying, shipping and handling. Membership Dues $168,946 $160,998 Handouts are available for the following sessions: Seminars and Workshops $31,182 $24,501 WEDNESDAY Annual Conference $168,190 $163,375 Making History: Museums in Current Publications $13,634 $15,877 Events Grants $5,300 $10,300 Navigating through the Newly Designed AAM General Facility Report Other Income $603 $1,827 On Your Toes! Exploring New Partner- Subtotal Revenue $387,855 $376,878 ship Opportunities One More for the Road: Drinking in Mu- Interest Income $373 $412 seums Investment Income $60,502 $45,149 Placing a Museum at the Center of Com- munity When it Doesn’t Seem Possible Unrealized Gain (Loss) ($116,676) $57,356 Power in Numbers: Driving Tourism and on Investments Building Community What a Mess: Scrapbook Conservation Donated Services $2,407 $3,278 THURSDAY Net Assets Released $3,113 $1,046 from Restrictions The Audience-Focused Exhibit Exhibitions: Commemorative or Inter- Total Revenue $337, 574 $484,119 pretive? How Do I Get an Intern When They All Expenses/Programs Want to go to the MFA? Museum Education Marketplace: De- Seminars & Workshops $19,734 $20,775 scription and Contact List (free) Annual Conference $62,076 $68,978 New Partnerships A Perfect Storm: NCLB & Transportation Publications $14,030 $15,483 Costs for School Field Trips Supporting Services/Admin $306,178 $289,622 The Connected Classroom: Digital Tech- nology in Art Museum Education Total Expenses $402,018 $394,858 Woven in Time: Textile Care
FRIDAY Investments College, Community, Coursework: The Mutual Funds/Investments $574,996 $631,170 Challenges and Opportunities of Stu- Cash/Equivalents $32,171 $38,870 dent-Curated Exhibitions Designing Your Insurance Program: An Insurance Handbook NEMA continues to evaluate its earned income potential and to Finding the Right Balance: Conceptual monitor expenses. The organization developed the 2009 budget to Planning for Museums ensure that the service mission to its members was fulfilled. Please Touch: Senses and the Museum Experience Respectfully submitted, Trends in Philanthropy in Today’s Econ- Neil Gordon omy Treasurer November 14, 2008
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 1 3 NEMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT PAG REPRESENTATIVES 2007-2010 2008-2010 Conservators; College & University Mu- Michelle Stahl Gail Nessell Colglazier seums; Registrars Executive Director Executive Director 2008-2011 Peterborough Historical Society American Independence Museum Emmie Donadio Pererborough, New Hampshire Exeter, New Hampshire Chief Curator Telephone: 603-924-3235 Telephone: 603-772-2622 Middlebury College Museum of Art [email protected] [email protected] Middlebury, Vermont STATE REPRESENTATIVES Telephone: 802-443-2240 FIRST VICE PRESIDENT [email protected] Connecticut 2007-2009 2008-2010 Curators; Exhibits; Independent Mu- Trudie Lamb Richmond Joshua Basseches seum Professionals; Library & Archives Director of Public Programs Deputy Directory 2007-2010 Mashantucket Pequot Museum Peabody Essex Museum Ron Potvin Mashantucket, Connecticut Salem, Massachusetts Assistant Director and Curator Telephone: 860-396-6862 Telephone: 978-745-9500 x3032 John Nicholas Brown Center [email protected] [email protected] Providence, Rhode Island Maine VICE PRESIDENTS Telephone: 401-863-1177 [email protected] 2006-2009 2008-2010 Robert Wolterstorff Susan Funk Children’s Museums; Education; HR Director Executive Vice President for Education and Volunteer Management Victoria Mansion and Public Programs 2007-2010 Portland, Maine Mystic Seaport Kay Simpson Telephone: 207-772-4841 Mystic, Connecticut Director of Education and Institutional [email protected] Telephone: 860-572-5333 Advancement [email protected] Springfield Museums Massachusetts Springfield, Massachusetts 2008-2011 2008-2010 Telephone: 413-263-6800 x376 Maria Cabrera Anne von Stuelpnagel [email protected] Program Manager, Community Outreach Director of Exhibitions Museum of Science Bruce Museum Administration, Facilities & Services; Boston, Massachusetts Greenwich, Connecticut Historic Site Management; Membership, Telephone: 617-589-0418 Telephone: 203-869-6786 x335 Devel., PR & Marketing [email protected] [email protected] 2008-2009 Elaine Clements New Hampshire TREASURER Director 2007-2009 2008-2010 Andover Historical Society Funi Burdick Scott Stevens Andover, Massachusetts Executive Director Executive Director Tel: 978-475-2236 Canterbury Shaker Village, Inc. Museums of Old York [email protected] Canterbury, New Hampshire York, Maine Telephone: 603-783-9511 Telephone: 207-363-4974 AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVES [email protected] [email protected] 2008-2011 Rhode Island Neil Gordon SECRETARY 2008-2009 Executive Vice President Eric Hertfelder 2008-2010 Boston Children’s Museum Executive Director Pieter Roos Boston, Massachusetts Fort Adams Trust Executive Director Telephone: 617-426-6500 Newport, Rhode Island Newport Restoration Foundation [email protected] Telephone: 401-841-0707 Newport, Rhode Island [email protected] Telephone: 401-849-7300 2006-2009 Diane Kopec [email protected] Vermont Independent Museum Professional 2007-2010 Bar Harbor, Maine Phelan Reed Fretz Telephone: 207-288-9631 Executive Director [email protected] ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Burlington, Vermont Telephone: 802-864-1848 x126 [email protected]
1 4 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 Please consider entering your 2008 publi- found their projects to be extremely ben- News About NEMA cations: categories include books, posters, eficial and helpful in achieving strategic annual reports, invitations, annual fund goals. However, there was consensus that Successful Conference in Rhode Island mailers and websites. The deadline for the training opportunities that NEMA We continue to receive high praise for the entries is March 2, 2009. identified were invaluable in helping to host hotel, offsite and evening sessions move the projects forward. In addition, Museum Advocacy Day and particularly the program content the participants, which included the AAM has announced that Museum Ad- of the individual sessions that made up American Precision Museum (VT), Belfast vocacy Day, with visits to legislators on the 2008 NEMA Annual Conference in Historical Society and Museum (ME), Capitol Hill, will take place February Warwick, R.I. From the inspiring keynote Center Sandwich Historical Society (NH), 24, with training offered on February 23. address by Curt Columbus of Trinity Nichols House Museum (MA), and the NEMA Executive Director Kate Viens will Repertory Company, to the hilarious fare- Pettaquamscutt Historical Society (RI), participate, and NEMA was the first ser- well by former NEMA President Kent dur provided valuable feedback regarding the vice organization to sign on as a partner Russell at the closing luncheon, more than design of the program toolkit. AASLH in helping to plan and promote this event. 750 colleagues took part in this unique is using this information to improve the At press time, all of the New England professional development and network- program before it is launched to the field states were represented among the reg- ing opportunity. next year. istrants, with the exception of Maine and We extend our sincere thanks to the Vermont. For information, visit www. AASLH Project Management for History conference co-chairs, the Local Commit- speakupformuseums.org/MuseumAdvo- Professionals tee, the Program Committee, the session cacyDay.htm. AASLH will be conducting thirteen proj- chairs and speakers, all of whom worked ect management workshops, each twenty- in partnership to create a strong program. “Save Your Collection…” Workshops four hours in length, in six regions of the Thank you for the contribution of your Massachusetts Humanities and NEMA country over the next three years. These time and expertise. Thanks as well to our will again partner in 2009 to offer “Save will be offered free of charge and include Corporate Members who were critical to Your Collection, Share Your Story, Sustain a travel stipend as well as webinar follow- the success of the conference. Last but not Your Mission: A Primer for Small Muse- up training. AASLH will follow this proj- least, to our sponsors and exhibitors whose ums and Historical Societies,” and part- ect with an online course to be launched names appear on page 10: thank you, the nerships in other states will be announced in October 2011. NEMA has signed on as conference would not have been possible in the coming months. Topics essential a partner organization in order to help without your support! to all organizations will be addressed shape the content of the workshops and including: mission and governance, col- SAVE THE DATE! 2009 NEMA Conference allow NEMA members to participate in lections care, education, exhibitions, and Next year’s conference will be held in this opportunity. fundraising and volunteers. This is a Nashua, N.H. on November 11-13, 2009. great opportunity for even the smallest NEMA Strategic Planning The theme of the conference is “Promises historical site or museum to engage in af- NEMA staff received input from the to Keep: Vision and Value in Museums.” fordable, high-quality professional devel- Board of Directors at its December 12 A Call for Proposals is available online at opment. Locations will be announced in meeting and are currently finalizing the www.nemanet.org. We are actively seek- early 2009. If you are interested in attend- association’s five-year plan. In the mean- ing new voices to present sessions at con- ing or hosting a workshop, please call the time, NEMA is working with Baird As- ference and welcome new and interactive NEMA office at 781-641-0013. sociates to develop a technology plan for formats. If you have any questions, please the association. call the NEMA office at 781-641-0013. The Discounted Office Supplies deadline for proposals is Februrary 1, Don’t forget that at W.B. Mason, you can E-Communication with Members 2009. order from a list of more than 100 of the In this period of transition and economic most frequently used office supply items, uncertainty, timely communication is Reciprocal Admission Directory specially priced for NEMA members. In more important than ever. NEMA is NEMA will publish the sixth edition addition, W.B. Mason’s Customized Office preparing to launch a quarterly e-update of the Reciprocal Admission Directory in Products Catalog contains more than 2,500 to NEMA News this winter, and will spring 2009. Participating Institutional items, and W.B. Mason will meet or beat continue to provide you with important Members receive free or discounted ad- any advertised price. Phone Ben Gasse at updates on advocacy and other issues via mission for their staff members at other W.B. Mason, 508-436-1087, for more infor- Constant Contact. Please add
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 1 5 Promises to Keep: Vision and Value in Museums November 11-13, 2009 Nashua, New Hampshire
Join us for the 2009 NEMA Annual Conference in Nashua, conveniently located along Route 3 in the historic Merrimack Valley between Lowell and Manchester. What does it mean for a museum to operate in a sustainable manner while fulfilling its promise to maintain the public’s trust and offer exceptional value? What is the public’s responsibility to museums, historical societies, and art and science centers? We’ll address these questions and many more when we visit the Granite State for “Promises to Keep: Vision and Value in Museums.”
Make the most of your budget in the coming year. Choose a conference that’s an easy drive from home, with dozens of sessions and the camaraderie of your New England colleagues. Registration rates will not increase in 2009. • Dozens of sessions designed to meet the • Informative off-site sessions and fun eve- needs of New England Museums ning events at local museums • Museum colleagues’ premier networking op- • Sessions for colleagues at every stage of portunity their career, working in collections, educa- • Value added: Career Center, Exhibit Hall, tion, exhibition, development and much Trustee Day, “101” sessions more!
We welcome your session ideas. Our easy-to-use, interactive Call for Proposals is now available online, at www.nemanet.org. Deadline: February 1, 2009.
1 6 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 large. Denise Braley provided dedicated PAG Chairs met on October 7 to review PAG News service as a co-chair of the Membership, the 2008 workshop season and to discuss Development, PR and Marketing PAG, 2009 workshop topics that PAG chairs Annual Conference even working with the AAM PR and could explore at the conference. PAGs are Sincere thanks to all the PAG Chairs Marketing Committee and facilitating currently planning their spring programs; who worked so hard to make the annual the presentation of NEMA’s “Primer” look for more information in NEMA’s conference a success: chairing sessions, workshops in Connecticut. new e-newsletter, coming this winter. developing and sharing the results of benchmarking surveys, and planning Welcome New PAG Chairs Library and Archives PAG PAG lunch sessions and the Independent Independent curator Carrie Brown and NEMA is pleased to be co-sponsoring the Joane Muratore-Pallatino, Director of all-day workshop “Caring for Historical Museum Professionals breakfast. Special Human Resources of the Springfield Records” on Friday, March 27, 2009, in thanks to the Children’s Museums PAG Museums, have already hit the ground conjunction with the New England Ar- for contributing to an entire day or pro- running as co-chairs of the IMP, and chivists Spring Meeting. The program gramming that showcased these institu- HR and Volunteer Management PAGs, will take place at the Radcliffe Institute tions. Congratulations to former Historic respectively. Thank you for the contribu- in Cambridge, and NEMA members are Sites PAG Co-chair Elaine Clements, who tions that you made to the NEMA con- welcome to register for the workshop at was elected to the NEMA Board at the an- ference, and we look forward to working the NEA member rate. Please visit www. nual meeting to serve as a PAG Represen- with you! newenglandarchivists.org for more in- tative to the Administration, Facilities and formation. Services; Historic Sites; and Membership, PAG Chair Vacancies Development, PR and Marketing PAGs. There are still several co-chair vacancies, in College and University Museums, His- Thank You for Your Service toric Site Management, and Membership, Several PAG Chairs stepped down at Development, PR and Marketing. Please the NEMA meeting. Sincere thanks to contact Executive Director Kate Viens Laura Roberts for her leadership of the if you are interested in any of these op- Independent Museum Professionals Af- portunities. finity Group. Through her advocacy and assistance, NEMA improved its service PAG Annual Meeting to both IMPs and our membership at
NEMA Professional Affinity Groups Administration, Facilities and Curators Historic Site Management Library and Archives Services Andrew Grilz Bethany Groff Andrew Boisvert Jane Bowers, Wenham Museum Andover Historical Society Historic New England Old Colony Historical Society 978-468-2377 978-475-2236 978-462-2634 508-822-1622 Patricia Brunetto Sheri Leahan Human Resources and Susan von Salis Yale Peabody Museum of Natu- Margaret Chase Smith Library Volunteer Management Harvard University Art Muse- ral History, 203-432-9578 207-474-7133 Laura Howick ums, 617-384-7983 Children’s Museums Kate McBrien Fitchburg Art Museum Membership, Development, Cathy Saunders Maine State Museum 978-345-4207, ext. 305 Public Relations & Marketing Providence Children’s Museum 207-287-6658 Joane Muratore-Pallantino Denise Braley 401-273-5437, ext. 136 Education Springfield Museums 860-779-3765 Amy Spencer Dawn E. Salerno 413-263-6800, ext. 428 Michael Madura The Discovery Museums Mystic Art Center 860-536- Independent Museum Profes- Development Consultant 978-264-4200 7601, ext 211 sionals 860-536-4344 College & University Jennifer White-Dobbs Carrie Brown Registrars Museums Connecticut River Museum, 603-643-4950 Mary Herbert-Busick Leonie Bradbury 860-767-8269 Ron Kley Wadsworth Atheneum Museum Montserrat College of Art Gal- Exhibitions Museum Research Associates of Art, 860-838-4017 lery, 978-921-4242, ext. 1223 Serena Furman, A Space, 207-395-4837 Meredith Vasta Conservators 978-793-0137 Jane Radcliffe Mashantucket Pequot Museum David Lee Colglazier Emily Robertson Museum Research Associates 860-396-6806 603-425-1929 Museum of Science 207-622-5048 David Dempsey 617-589-4289 Smith College Museum of Art 413-585-2766
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 1 7 1 8 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 Northeast Document Conservation People Center, MA After 30 years, Ann Russell, Executive Di- Abbe Museum, ME National Archives, DC rector, has retired. John Ott appointed In- Karen Foster appointed Interim Executive Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United terim Executive Director. David Mathews Director. States, submitted his resignation to the appointed Director of Digital Services. Billings Farm and Museum, VT President, effective December 19, 2008 The Stanley Museum, ME David Donath, President, Woodstock citing health reasons. Deputy Archivist Dr. Donald R. Hoke appointed Director. Foundation, appointed Chair of the of the United States, Adrienne Thomas, Sterling and Francine Clark Art American Association for State and Local will serve as Acting Archivist until a new Institute, MA History. Archivist is appointed. Thomas J. Loughman appointed Assistant Boston Children’s Museum, MA National Endowment for the Humanities Deputy Director. Lou Casagrande, who led the museum for Chairman Bruce Cole will leave the En- US Naval War College Museum, RI 15 years and oversaw its recent $47 mil- dowment to join the American Revolution CDR John Kennedy, USN Ret., appointed lion expansion, will step down as presi- Center as its President and CEO, effective Director of Museum Education and Out- dent and chief executive officer on June in January 2009. reach; John Pentangelo appointed Curator 30, 2009. New Bedford Whaling Museum, MA / Registrar. Connecticut River Museum, CT James P. Russell appointed President. Worcester Art Museum, MA Amy Trout appointed Curator. Michael Dyer, Maritime Curator, received William Rudolph appointed Curator of a USA Gallery Fellowship at the Aus- ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science American Art. tralian National Maritime Museum. The Center, VT In Memoriam Fellowship is a two-month study designed Kate Villa appointed Director of Develop- Cornelius C. Vermeule III, who over four to underscore multinational relationships ment; Amanda Gurgul appointed Open decades as curator of classical antiqui- through maritime exhibitions. Door Coordinator. ties at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Newport Restoration Foundation, RI built a reputation for astute acquisitions, MA Elizabeth Spoden appointed Education prodigious scholarship and exuberant ec- Alix Kennedy appointed Executive Direc- Assistant, and Kristen Costa as Assistant centricity, died on November 27 in Cam- tor; Founding Director Nick Clark ap- Curator. bridge, Mass. He had retired in 1996. pointed Chief Curator. Norman Rockwell Museum, MA Farnsworth Art Museum, ME Linda Pero, Curator of Norman Rockwell Lora Urbanelli, Director, appointed Direc- Collections, retired after 24 years. Jessika tor for the Montclair Art Museum, NJ. Drmacich appointed Archivist. International Tennis Hall of Fame, RI Douglas Stark has been appointed Mu- seum Director at the Hall of Fame. International Yacht Restoration School, RI 2007/2008 New NEMA Publication! Salary & Benefits Chris Cox has been appointed Vice Survey President and Director of the Museum of 2007/2008 Yachting at Fort Adams State Park. Maine Historical Society Salary & Benefits Survey G. Boden Harris appointed Museum Inventory Project Technician. Mattatuck Museum Arts & History The 2007/2008 edition of the New Center, CT Salaries are reported by institutional Laurie Pasteryak appointed Director of England Museum Association Salary budget and discipline. Education. and Benefits Survey is now available for purchase! The survey includes statistics about Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA education, gender, part-time profes- Thomas S. Michie appointed Senior Cura- An invaluable tool for museum di- sionals and volunteers. tor of Decorative Arts and Sculpture in rectors, personnel managers and staff, the Art of Europe department. the Salary Survey covers more than 41 $75 non-members Mystic Seaport, CT positions in every museum depart- $60 members Doug Teeson, the current president and ment. CEO, has announced his plans to retire Call the NEMA office at 781-641-0013 on January 15, 2009. Stephen C. White Learn the low, average and high or visit www.nemanet.org to purchase appointed president and chief executive levels of compensation for similar mu- your copy today. officer starting January 15. Susan Funk seum positions in your region. appointed Executive Vice President for Education and Public Programs.
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 1 9 Institutional Members Welcome New Members American Clock & Watch Museum Ashland Historical Society Individual Members Micki McCabe Cranberry Education Foundation Margaret Aiken Julia Metzidakis Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center Shaelyn Amaio Bethany Morris Green Mountain Children’s Museum Rachel Asarnow Fani Mourtzoukou Loring-Greenough House Christina Ashton Alice Mroszczyk Medford Historical Society Andrew Bair Victoria Myers Osterville Historical Museum Susannah Baker Daniel Neff Public History Dept., Dept History, Anna Balcerzak Cindy Oberholzer UMass Amherst Abby Battis Megan O’Brien Rowayton Historical Society Rebekah Beaulieu Roderick O’Hanley Touro Synagogue Foundation Kate Bencivenga Melissa L. Olson Weir Farm National Historic Site Anstis G. Benfield Mary Olson Sabrina Biffer Sara Orr Independent Museum Professional Michele Blackmore Kelly Page Members Sarah Brockway Smitha Pennepalli Brewster Buttfield Jessica Bussmann Elizabeth Peterson Jan Crocker Barbara C. Carey Mary C. Philbrick Cecelia Hallaway Janet Cathcart Celeste Polley Donna Ann Harris Gina Cerrito Renata Pomponi Rebecca I. Hendricks Yunmin Cho Daniel Ranalli Guy Hermann Jennifer Cohen Maureen Richardson Angela S. Liptack Nina S. Cohen Ivana Ridzon Corporate Members Cheryl Cranick Marcela Robles Andrew Penziner Productions LLC Celestina Cuadrado Sandra Rux APVO, Voice Over Talent Cynthia M. Cullen Stephanie Schanda Boston Photo Imaging Tanya Cushman Maryellen Schroeder Casady Design Chris Davis Kirsten Schuller Christopher Chadbourne & Assoc., Inc. Carrie Decker Carol Shrewsbury The Digital Ark Kelly Fallisi Alena K. Shumway Endowment Solutions, Inc. Leslie A. Ferguson-Packard Alicia Soja Finegold Alexander & Associates Elizabeth Finch John Stevens The History Press Rebecca Floyd Cheryl Stinson Janet Foster Julie A. Stubbs Stephanie L. Glickman Lynn Swain Elizabeth Greeno Deidre Sweeney Claire Grothe Christina Tedesco Nora A. Hanna Dora Tevan Discussion Lists for Caren Anne Harrington Caitlin Thayer John T. Hart, Jr. Wanessa Tillman All NEMA Members Erin Hayes Tom Troller NEMA has created four Internet discussion John Henderson Brenda Ulrich lists: Collections; Interpretation and Public Elizabeth Herring Lauren Valone Programs; Administration and Facilities; Holly E. Howley Carrie Van Horn and Independent Museum Professional and Jessica Hunt Tatiana Varges Corporate Issues. Jane Palmer Hurwitz William S. Walker Why another list? Ron Katz Christin Waterbury • To make it easier for you to network with Adrienne L. Kermond Leah Wolf Whitehead other NEMA members, no matter where Jeanne Koles Margaret Whitehead your museum is located! Penny Lacroix Stephanie L. Williams • To promote communication across mu- Cynthia L. Lewis Nicholas Wood seum disciplines Tara Lima Christopher R. Woodhouse Christopher Madkour Robert Kennedy Yazbek You are welcome to join any or all of the four lists. The more conversations we spark, the Mary Anne Manoli Sara Zela more useful and enjoyable the lists will be, so Sarah Marcoux Amanda Ziebka join in early and often! Jennifer Marks
2 0 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 sentation at the American Anthropo- Member Profile logical Association, entitled: “Working With/In American Indian Communities: This feature introduces you to colleagues in museums around New England. It’s often too easy The Journey to Biculturalism at Plimoth for colleagues to feel isolated in their institutions—we hope this feature will break down the dis- Plantation,” can you tell us about that tances a bit. We also hope that it will reinforce your own enthusiasm for your work and cause you project? The roundtable in which I participated to reflect on the positive contributions thatyou make. discussed various models that were suc- cessful in working with native communi- ties. Representatives from Virginia Tech, JAMES CEDRIC WOODS holds a Ph.D. Q. Are there lessons from the ways in Oklahoma State, and the University of in Anthropol- which Plimoth Plantation is working Vancouver talked about how they de- ogy from the with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe signed programs that reflected the needs University of that can be used by other tribes and of the native communities, rather than Connecticut museums? developing a program and hoping that and has worked Plimoth’s commitment to bicultural- it would work for the native audience. for more than ism is reflected in the relationship it has Key to the success of all the programs ten years for the with the Wampanoag communities. Staff was dialogue and a commitment to a Mashantucket from several Wampanoag communities long term relationship. Those common Pequot Tribal work at Plimoth and there is Wampanoag threads through all the successful initia- Nation in a representation on the board of overseers tives can be replicated elsewhere if there variety of roles including Media Relations and trustees. This level of engagement is a genuine desire to partner with native Specialist, Government Research Analyst in both the governance structure and as communities. and his current position of Deputy Chief staff representatives of the organization are what make this a collaboration that Operating Officer. Woods also serves as a Q. What do you perceive as the future could be used as a model for other institu- Trustee of Plimoth Plantation. We asked of biculturalism in museums, based tions. For Plimoth, there is a commitment Woods to tell us more about his back- on your observations of generational that it will be native people telling their ground and his experience working with change and other changes in native story. That is where it has to start for a Plimoth Plantation. communities, our field and American meaningful relationship to exist with the society? Q. You worked for many years with the native community. This relationship has Biculturalism is not a simple proposi- Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, what spe- been a long term one at Plimoth, with tion and is not without its challenges. As cifically motivated you to volunteer your some Wampanoag staff having worked at resources become tighter, now and in time as a trustee of Plimoth Plantation Plimoth for decades. the future, it is even easier for museums and their work with the Mashpee Wam- to reach the conclusion that it costs too panoag Tribe? Q. You have a Ph.D in anthropology and much time and effort to launch or con- I moved to Connecticut to work for an impressive background in academ- tinue a bicultural initiative. If they haven’t the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation ics, can you discuss some of the ways in already started down this path, I don’t (MPTN) as a Career Counselor in 1995. which museums can complement educa- believe it is likely that they will do so While working at MPTN, I met several tion and enhance learning? now. However, a partnership between a Wampanoag people and ended up vis- While academia informs and educates museum and tribe/s is in the institution’s iting quite a bit with some of them at college students for a period of years, long term best interest, as more native Mashpee. As I also spent time on the Pow museums are more likely to serve as the people are in professional tracks that Wow circuit, I met Wampanoag people learning institutions most utilized by could help grow museums in terms of a from Aquinnah and Mashpee that were Americans throughout their lives. Mu- committed pool of staff, volunteers, and affiliated with Plimoth Plantation. When seums are learning venues where they potential donors. It will be the visionaries I began to understand Plimoth’s com- will bring their children, their neighbors, of the museum world that have a poten- mitment to having an authentic native and have a shared experience. Because tial collaboration with a tribe/s that looks voice in their programs and events, it was of this, I believe it is important for the at partnership in terms of generational something I wanted to support and help academy to look at how museums are commitments with communities that will become more successful. part of and serve their community. They have similar goals of education and still be there a hundred years from now, Q. What are the rewards of being a mu- should work together to enhance how rather than the shorter term relationship seum trustee? their parallel educational missions are between institution and member. As a trustee, you have an avenue to met, whether it be through internships, assist an organization to whom you have collaboration on grants, or exhibit devel- a deep philosophical commitment, oth- opment. erwise you wouldn’t be there. You also get to work with talented staff and other Q. You have just participated in a pre- trustees who share your desire to sustain and grow the institution, which is a very enriching experience.
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 2 1 tive will have a home and a showcase for From the Region its work in innovation at a highly visible downtown location. The Collaborative Tell us your news! If you have news from your state, please inform your NEMA representative will assume a new name, the Boston (names and numbers listed below). Or, call, mail, fax or email ([email protected]) the NEMA Museum Innovation Institute, when the office with news to include inFrom the Region. museum opens in late 2012. The Dedham Historical Society, Li- CONNECTICUT digital museum of Maine history. brary and Museum will be celebrating its Trudie Lamb Richmond, Mashantucket The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Mu- 150th Anniversary in 2009, and will have Pequot Museum, 860-396-6862 or seum has been awarded a Maine State installed a new exhibit with some of its [email protected] Cultural Affairs Council New Century most important and interesting items, by The Slater Memorial Museum is sell- Community Program Grant through the mid year. New stationery and graphics ing original works and prints from Wil- Maine Historic Preservation Commission. are being designed for the occasion. liam Ashby McCloy, an artist who had a The grant with matching funds will be The Harvard Art Museum Archives personal relationship with the museum. used to rehabilitate the Shaker Village’s announced a major gift of the papers of His long friendship with former Slater 1824 Herb House, the only standing Alfonso Ossorio and Ted Dragon. The director Joseph Gualtieri led him to create Shaker herb house in the country. The collection consists of close to 50 linear feet Aspirations in 1975-76, specifically for the museum has also contracted for two ad- of personal and professional papers and museum grounds, and, upon his death, to ditional architectural reports on the 1839 represents a major research collection that bequeath literally thousands of his life’s Ministry’s Shop and the 1850 Boys’ Shop. has been almost completely unexamined works to the Slater Memorial Museum. The Wilson Museum undertook stra- by scholars. It includes resources that The sale of McCloy’s works, to benefit the tegic planning in the summer of 2008. document Ossorio’s life and the growth museum, will include prints, drawings, Working with Laura B. Roberts of Rob- of his career, as well as the work of his watercolors and collages. erts Consulting, a committee comprising partner, dancer and artist Ted Dragon. MAINE of board members, staff members and The Paul Revere Memorial Associa- knowledgeable members of the communi- tion has recently received the donation of Robert Wolterstorff, Victoria Mansion ty reviewed the museum’s operations and the entire research collection of Edward 207-772-4841 or rwolterstorff@ victoriamansion.org challenges, resulting in the development and Evelyn Stickney on the Revere bell The Institute of Contemporary Art at of an agenda for the next five years. and cannon foundry between 1792 and Maine College of Art (ICA at MECA) Maine Historical Society has received the 1840s. The donation also included has installed acoustical ceiling tile in $2,500 from the Rines/Thompson Fund artifacts and documentary materials. the Evans Hunt and Lunder Galleries, of the Maine Community Foundation to Stonehill College students from Circle improving its quality of presentation support its 2008-2009 Annual Fund. K, Into the Streets and the Stonehill De- in audiovisual installations and gallery The Alex Katz Foundation has an- velopment Office recently volunteered th talks. Pactiv Corporation provided major nounced that it will give six pieces by their services for the 10 consecutive year exhibition support for “Out There: The American modernist painter Marsden to help the Children’s Museum in Easton Mediated Landscape” with the donation Hartley to the Colby College Museum with their 2008 Invest In Kids annual of 24,000 paper produce packages for use of Art. The works included span the full campaign phonathon. The museum’s in sculptor and public artist Christina range of Hartley’s career and include still 2008 annual campaign raises funds for Bechstein’s installation entitled, “One life and landscape subjects. future renovations, educational exhibits and programs, and helps to keep it run- Day.” Each package represents residents MASSACHUSETTS ning strong each day as a fun and safe of Portland peninsula and will be given Maria Cabrera, Museum of Science, 617- environment for kids. A portion of the ap- out by the artist to local farmers with the 589-0418 or [email protected] peal goes to the Helping Hands Outreach support of the Maine Organic Farmers The Norman Rockwell Museum has Program, which gives disadvantaged and Gardeners Association at the end of received the National Humanities Medal, children and their families the opportu- the exhibition. ICA at MECA has recently America’s highest recognition of work by nity to engage in the same hands-on play repackaged publication format, including individuals and institutions in the field of as more fortunate families. a new look for postcards, rack card, and the humanities. It is one of nine recipients The Harvard Art Museum announced catalog production. nationwide and the only museum among the successful completion of a campaign The General Henry Knox Museum the winners. to endow the Department of American and a team of other Thomaston organiza- The Boston Museum and the Boston Art. Topping its $10 million goal, the tions have been selected as a beta site for History and Innovation Collaborative will American art endowment fund has raised the Maine Community Heritage Project. merge their respective organizations in $10.5 million, which will underwrite two Working with the town’s library, histori- 2009. The merger gives the Boston Muse- curatorships and permanently endow cal society and high school, the museum um access to the Collaborative’s extensive ongoing operations in the Department will help develop a website celebrating research capabilities and vital relation- of American Painting, Sculpture, and Thomaston’s heritage, which will become ships within the region’s business and Decorative Arts. The museum has also part of the Maine Memory Network, a non-profit sectors. In turn, the Collabora-
2 2 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 announced the establishment of the Patri- technology. veterans who were active in the civil cia Cornwell Conservation Scientist at the The Public Health Museum hosted rights movement. museum’s Straus Center for Conservation filming for “The Polio Crusade,” a PBS and Technical Studies. This new position documentary that will air on WGBH 2 NEW HAMPSHIRE is established through a generous $1 mil- American Experience Series February 2, Funi Burdick, Canterbury Shaker Village, lion commitment from bestselling author 2009. The Public Health Museum provid- 603-783-9511, [email protected] Patricia Cornwell, matching additional ed use of the iron lung and space on its Are you a New Hampshire Institutional support from the Andrew W. Mellon first floor for a large open hospital room Member with news to share? Please con- Foundation. with 1950’s décor and recreated life from tact Funi Burdick at the above email ad- The museum has also announced a major the perspective of a young boy with polio. dress. gift of German art primarily since 1960 Thanks to generous support from The donated by the Friends of the Busch- MathWorks, visitors who come to the RHODE ISLAND Reisinger Museum. The gift comprises 50 Museum of Science on Friday, January 9, Eric Hertfelder, Fort Adams Trust, 401- to 75 works by contemporary artists and 16, or 23 are invited to see an Omni show 841-0707 or [email protected] is being assembled under the guidance of for free. The RISD Museum was awarded art historian Siegfried Gohr in Germany. The New England Quilt Museum $2,000 from the Rhode Island Council for The Hull Lifesaving Museum’s Mari- rolled out their new branding, including a the Humanities’ mini grants for its “Be- time Apprentice Program, which offers new logo, letterhead, rack cards and bro- dazzled” exhibit and the “Artists at War: intensive, multi-year training for DYS- chures. In addition, the museum is plan- Exploring the Connections Between Art committed youth preparing them for ning a launch of a new interactive website and Camouflage “symposium. The funds careers in the maritime trades, is among as part of the re-branding initiative. The will support a free public symposium at six area nonprofits selected as a 2009 new logo features the traditional quilt RISD’s Chace Center on the intersections Social Innovator by the Cambridge-based block called Mariner’s Compass which is between art and military camouflage. Social Innovation Forum to receive over the focal point of the vibrant mural that continued on page 25 $100,000 in cash and services. has long brightened the exterior of the The year 2009 marks the 50th Anniver- museum’s lovely 19th century building. MEMBER-TO-MEMBER sary of the gifting of Wistariahurst, the This summer, The Mount, Chester- Historic New England provides carbon Skinner estate, to the City of Holyoke by wood, Hancock Shaker Village and The dioxide anoxic treatments to deal with Katharine Skinner Kilborne and her heirs. Norman Rockwell Museum launched pests that have infested your valuable The National Endowment for the Hu- the American Icons joint discounted ticket museum objects. Both highly effective manities has awarded a grant of $399,950 promotion, a new collaborative effort that and safe for all types of objects, the to the City of Holyoke and Wistariahurst brought the four national treasures to- “Bubble” is a large, sealed plastic unit Museum, who in partnership with Holy- gether for the first time. Starting on Au- which utilizes carbon dioxide gas to oke Heritage State Park, the Children’s gust 1, 2008, Berkshire county residents deprive insects of oxygen. In addition to Museum at Holyoke, the Holyoke History and visitors were able to purchase a Pick treating our own collection, HNE offers Room of the Holyoke Public Library and Two pass or an American Icons pass for all this treatment service at cost to other in- Enchanted Circle Theater, will develop four cultural organizations at a discount- stitutions, and private clients. For more a city-wide exhibit and heritage tourism ed admission rate. As a result of this new information or with questions contact: plan for Holyoke called “Creating Holy- promotion, the Berkshire Visitor’s Bureau Michael Schuetz, Collections Technician, oke.” In March 2009 the museum with recently awarded the collaboration a new 978-521-4788, ext. 720. collaborative partner Enchanted Circle Greylock Award for Outstanding Indus- Theater will present “The Skinner Ser- try Collaboration. American Icons was so The Springfield Museums has several vants’ Tour: A Living History of Wista- successful that the four venues intend to items for sale. Nascor Model VHT 101- riahurst” for a two weekend performance partner again next summer. 5-h Vacuum Hot Table Humidity Treat- based on oral histories of the lives of the The following NEMA Members have ment System. Hot Table built by Bill Skinner Family and their servants. received grants from Mass Humanities: Maxwell. Size: 30” x 5’ x 8’; weight: 1000 Introducing the world to Shaker life, Orleans Historical Society, $2,000, for an pounds. 5’ x 8’ hot surface. 5’ x 8’ cold philosophy and principles is a key aspect exhibit of 70 images from 1911 by ama- lining and humidity chamber. Three of Hancock Shaker Village’s mission, teur photographer Harry J. Sparrow and phase 208 volt amp service required. and the power of technology makes that an accompanying lecture series focusing Asking $8,000. Labconco S-408936 Fume goal more accessible than ever before. on the landscape and daily life of Orleans. Hood (60” h x 7” w x 31” d). Needs new Thanks to a $50,300 grant from the Leon Rotch-Jones-Duff House, $5,000, in sup- Fan. Asking $2,000. Stainless steel textile Levy Foundation, completion of an ex- port of “Lighting the Way: The Life and or paper washing screen. (8 feet long x 5 tensive digital cataloging project at HSV Legacy of William Rotch, Jr.” feet wide x 3” deep). Never used. Asking is now underway. The project was de- Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, $2,000. Please contact Wendy Stayman, signed to enhance the care and use of the $10,000, for the project “Double V,” to col- Director of Collections Management, museum’s collections, and to broaden the lect, web publish and create living history Springfield Museums, 413-263.6800, ext. public’s access to them through available programs with oral histories of African American World War II and Home Front
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 2 3 24 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 From the Region continued from page 23 creased public access following stabiliza- art education programs for specific audi- tion of hazardous areas. Fort Adams is an ences. Rhode Island Historical Society was NHL begun in 1824 with extensive outer Heritage Harbor Museum is under awarded $1,620 from the Rhode Island works including features found nowhere construction in Providence. Truever Council for Humanities for “Going to else in North America. Brothers, the overall developer of Dy- Work,” a collections event. The funds will The Conservation Fund has been re- namo House, a former electric generating support the implementation and publicity tained by Brown University to provide station, expects to complete work on the for a new mini-core exhibit for the Muse- advice and guidance on protection strate- shell by the end of 2009. The museum um of Work and Culture in Woonsocket. gies for its Mount Hope Grant lands in will be a condominium tenant within the The Providence Children’s Museum Bristol, the site of the Haffenreffer Mu- overall development, occupying 55,000 th reopened on October 28 following reno- seum of Anthropology. Brown recently square feet of the 275,000 square foot to- vations to its historic building, including announced the closing of the museum tal. Following completion of the shell, the replacing 70 windows and repointing the and a possible move to Providence; how- museum expects to begin interior finish- exterior walls. While closed, the museum ever, the lands involved contain impor- ing and exhibit installation with the goal installed Play Power, a major new exhibit tant 17th century historic sites. According of opening by the end of 2010. celebrating the power of children’s play. to a recent press release, Brown plans to VERMONT The Jencks Education Center is Slater use the site as an “ecological and botani- Phelan Reed Fretz, ECHO at the Leahy Mill’s newest major initiative and unique cal laboratory and as a site for University Center for Lake Champlain in the country in that it will link a nation- meetings and outings.” al historic landmark and the birthplace of 802-864-1848, ext. 126 or pfretz@ The Newport Art Museum received echovermont.org textile manufacturing with Rhode Island’s a $20,095 grant from BankNewport to Fairbanks Museum has received a growing community of talented, profes- support afterschool arts enrichment pro- $50,000 grant from the Freeman Foun- sional craftspeople and the public. grams coordinated and staffed by the mu- dation and the Preservation Trust of The Fort Adams Trust has received seum and offered in collaboration with the Vermont. The grant will be used for reha- a $125,000 Preserve America matching Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County. bilitation work including installing a new grant through the State Historic Preserva- The initiative is the latest in the museum’s furnace, adding a sprinkler system, and tion Office to conduct a thorough struc- efforts to meet the needs of underserved associated repairs. tural survey of the fortification and to groups, and to custom design community Brattleboro Museum and Art Center prepare a new masterplan based on in-
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 2 5 4/3 MAC Artists in Maine Com- Records Commission (NHPRC): Grant Deadlines munities Grant 202-501-5610; www.archives.gov/ 4/3 MAC Cultural Facilities Ac- nhprc Deadlines cessibility Grant National Science Foundation (NSF): 4/10 MHC Humanities Infrastruc- 202-357-9498; www.nsf.gov Please refer to the organizations below for ture Grants Draft National Trust for Historic Preserva- further information. 4/10 VAC FY09 Local Arts Part- tion (NTHP): 617-523-0885 www. nership Grants nationaltrust.org 4/24 NHCA ArtLinks Grant FEDERAL 5/1 NHCA American Masterpiec- REGIONAL 1/15 IMLS Museum Grants for es: NH Inspirations CT Commission on Culture and African American History 5/1 VAC FY09 Local Arts Part- Tourism (CCCT): 860-566-4770 and Culture nership Grants www.cultureandtourism.org 1/28 NEH America’s Historical Monthly Connecticut Humanities Council and Cultural Organizations CHC Cultural Heritage Develop- (CHC): 860-685-2260 www.ctcul- Implementation Grants ment Fund $2,500-$5,000 ture.org 1/28 NEH America’s Historical NHHC Mini Grants under $2,500 Connecticut Trust for Historic Pres- and Cultural Organizations RICH Mini Grants ervation (CTHP): 203-562-6312; Planning grants www.cttrust.org 1/28 NEH Family and Youth Pro- Quarterly Maine Arts Commission (MAC): grams in American History CHC Cultural Heritage Develop- 207-287-2724; www.mainearts.com 1/28 NEH Interpreting America’s ment Fund over $5,000 Maine Cultural Resources Informa- Historic Places: Implementa- MH Project Grants tion Center (CRIC): 207-287-7591 tion Grants NHCA Mini Grants www.maine.gov/sos/arc/cric 1/28 NEH Interpreting America’s NHHC Major Grants over $2,500 Historic Places: Planning Maine Humanities Council (MHC): Grants Open 207-773-5051 www.mainehuman- 2/1 IMLS National Leadership CCCT Cultural Capital, Historic ities.org Grants Restoration Fund, Survey & Maine State Archives (MSA): 2/15 IMLS Museum Assessment Planning Grants, Basic Op- 207-287-5788; www.state.me.us/ Program erational Support Grants for sos/arc/index.html 2/17 IMLS National Medal for Historic Preservation Non- Mass Humanities (MH): 413-584- Museum and Library Service Profits 8440; www.masshumanities.org 3/15 IMLS 21st Century Museum CHC Cultural Heritage Develop- Massachusetts Cultural Council Professionals ment Fund under $2,500 (MCC): 617-727-3668 4/1 IMLS Native American/Na- CTHP Historic Preservation Techni- www.massculturalcouncil.org tive Hawaiian Museum Ser- cal Assistance Grants Pre- New England Foundation for the vices Application Arts (NEFA): 617-951-0010 www. 5/5 NEH Challenge Grants MH Proposal Development, Read- nefa.org 5/5 NEH Digital Humanities ing & Discussion Grant NH Humanities Council (NHHC): Challenge Grants MHC Community Outreach and 603-224-4071; www.nhhc.org Discretionary & Planning NH State Council on the Arts REGIONAL Grants (NHCA): 603-271-2789 www. 1/9 CCCT Early Learning Grant MHC/MAC Arts & Humanities nh.gov/nharts Program Grants Preserve Rhode Island: 401-272-5101 1/9 CCCT Underserved Youth NHHC Humanities To Go! Grant www.preserveri.org Grant Program VAC Technical Assistance/Travel RI Council for the Humanities Grants, American Master- 1/12 CCCT Organizations: Gener- (RICH): 401-273-2250 www.uri. al Operating Support (Intent pieces edu/rich to Apply) RI Historical Preservation & Heritage 1/12 CCCT Organizations: Project Contact Information: Commission (RIHPHC): 401-222- Support (Intent to Apply) 2678; www.rihphc.state.ri.us 2/6 NHCA AIE Leadership Proj- RI State Council on the Arts (RISCA): ect FEDERAL/NATIONAL 401-222-3880 www.risca.state.ri.us 2/17 CTHP Historic Preservation Heritage Preservation: 202-634-1422 Vermont Arts Council (VAC): Technical Assistance Grants www.heritagepreservation.org 802-828-3291 www.vermon- 3/6 NHCA Two-Year Operating Institute of Museum and Library Ser- tartscouncil.org Grant vices (IMLS): 202-653-IMLS www. Vermont Council on the Humanities 3/15 VHC Grant Limit $7,500 Let- imls.gov (VCH): 802-262-2626 ter of Intent J. Paul Getty Trust: 310-440-7320 www.vermonthumanities.org 3/27 NHCA Cultural Conservation www.getty.edu Vermont Division for Historic Pres- Grant National Endowment for the Arts ervation (VDHP): 802-828-3211; 4/1 MH Research Inventory (NEA): 202-682-5400; www.arts.gov www.historicvermont.org Grant National Endowment for the Human- 4/1 RISCA Project Grants ities (NEH): 202-606-8400 www. 4/3 MAC American Masterpieces neh.gov National Historical Publications and
26 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 knowledge and skills of museum profes- Grant News / News You Can Use sionals. 21st Century Museum Profession- als grants are intended to have an impact A number of charitable giving provi- Advancing Digital Resources, Library and upon multiple institutions by reaching sions—including a restoration and ex- Museum Collaboration, Research Projects, broad groups of museum professionals tension of the IRA Charitable Rollover and Demonstration Projects. Applications, throughout a city, county, state, region, or through the end of 2009—were enacted guidelines, and examples of successful the nation. Grants fund a broad range of as part of legislation designed to address proposals can be found on the agency’s activities, including the development and the financial crisis. The bill, the Emer- www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nation- implementation of classes, seminars, and gency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, alLeadership.shtm. The deadline for sub- workshops; resources to support leader- was signed into law on Oct. 3. The IRA mitting applications is February 1, 2009. ship development; collection, assessment, Charitable Rollover is a tax incentive that development and/or dissemination of allows individuals ages 70 1/2 and older The Museum Assessment Program information that leads to better museum to donate up to $100,000 from their In- (MAP), administered by the American operations; activities that strengthen the dividual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to Association of Museums, is now accept- use of contemporary technology tools to public charities without having to count ing applications that must be postmarked deliver programs and services; support the distributions as taxable income. Since by February 15. MAP helps maintain and for the enhancement of pre-professional enactment in August 2006, the IRA Chari- improve operations through a confiden- training programs; and organizational table Rollover has generated a significant tial, consultative process. Download the support for the development of intern- amount of new charitable giving. application and get more information ship and fellowship programs. Deadline about which assessment is right for you. is March 15, 2009. For information contact The Internal Revenue Service has an- Space is limited. Contact the MAP staff at Christopher J. Reich, Senior Program nounced the projects related to tax-ex- 202-289-9118. Officer, 202-653-4685, [email protected] empt organizations it plans to pursue in or Twinet G. Kimbrough, Program Spe- 2009, including a long-term study of fund The Division of Public Programs at the cialist, 202-653-4703, tkimbrough@imls. raising and spending by charitable orga- National Endowment for the Humani- gov or visit www.imls.gov/applicants/ nizations and a broad effort to educate ties funds humanities projects that are grants/21centuryMuseums.shtm. the agency’s employees about governance intended for broad public audiences at issues. One of the major new studies the museums, libraries, historic sites and oth- Museums and libraries are encouraged to IRS plans to begin next year is a lengthy er historical and cultural organizations. participate in the next Big Read. The Big examination of how tax-exempt groups Planning and implementation grant ap- Read is an initiative of the National En- raise and spend money compared to how plications from America’s Historical and dowment for the Arts, designed to restore much they spend to achieve charitable Cultural Organizations may be submit- goals. To start, the study will focus on ted at two annual deadlines: January 28, continued on page 28 organizations that raise unusually large 2009, and August (exact date to be deter- amounts of money, have unrelated trade mined). New application guidelines are MUSEUMS ADVOCACY DAY or business income, and spend relatively now posted on the NEH website, www. little on their programs. In addition to neh.gov. Grants support interpretive federal tax filings of nonprofit lenders, the exhibitions, reading or film discussion Join NEMA Executive Director Kate agency intends to issue a broad question- series, historic site interpretation, lecture Viens in Washington, DC, on February naire to those groups and conduct audits series and symposia, and digital projects. 23-24, 2009, for Museums Advocacy to examine how much nonprofit-lending NEH especially encourages projects that Day. AAM is pleased to invite museum executives are being paid compared to the offer multiple formats and make creative professionals from around the country charitable spending of their organizations. use of new technology to deliver humani- to take part in this two-day program. ties content. Applications will also be ac- Participants will be briefed on AAM’s The Institute of Museum and Library cepted at both deadlines for Interpreting legislative agenda and will learn how Services (IMLS) is accepting grant ap- America’s Historic Places grants, which to effectively communicate the value of plications for the agency’s 2009 National promote public understanding of Ameri- museums to public policy makers. The Leadership Grant (NLG) program. For can history through interpretation of second day will consist of visits to Capi- the past 11 years, the National Leader- significant American places. Program of- tol Hill where advocates will make their ship Grants program has been the cap- ficers in the Division of Public Programs case to Congress. stone program for IMLS, providing the are available to assist you, whether it is In 2009, a new Congress and a new agency’s highest level of support for in- to discuss projects or to read a draft of a administration will begin working on a novative projects that provide important proposal. You may wish to call the NEH wide range of issues, including funding research, tools, and models for library Division of Public Programs, 202-606- for museum programs and the reautho- and museum programs across the coun- 8269, or contact a program officer directly rization of the Institute of Museum and try. Museums and libraries interested in or visit www.neh.gov. Library Services (IMLS). Sign-up infor- submitting NLG proposals to IMLS can mation is available on AAM’s website, apply to one of two funding categories: The purpose of the 21st Century Museum www.aam-us.org. We need to make our Projects or Planning Grants. Each of these Professionals program is to increase the voices heard! categories comprises four project types: capacity of museums by improving the
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 27 reading to the center of American culture. By providing assistance to historic cul- The Preservation Trust of Vermont pro- The NEA presents The Big Read in part- tural resources owned by nonprofit or vides technical assistance, encouragement nership with the Institute of Museum and municipal entities, the Massachusetts His- and financial support for community- Library Services and in cooperation with torical Commission hopes to ensure their based historic preservation projects. Field Arts Midwest. For more information, visit continued use and integrity. Please note Services are provided through a partner- www.neabigread.org. Application dead- that grant disbursement is subject to reau- ship with the National Trust for Historic line is February 3, 2009. thorization of the capital accounts and the Preservation. Seed grants are available availability of sufficient allocated funds. through the Preservation Trust’s Robert Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation Application deadline is February 20, 2009. Sincerbeaux Fund, and implementation is dedicated to fostering the awareness For further information, 617-727-8470 or grants are also available through a variety and appreciation of contemporary visual e-mail Paul Holtz at [email protected]. of other partnerships. Contact PTV at art. It does this by supporting catalogues ma.us or visit www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc. 802-658-6647 or www.ptvermont.org for and other publications that document ex- further information. hibitions of work by emerging or under- Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and recognized artists. Projects that attempt support outstanding community arts and The National Park Service invites propos- to bring together artists and the com- humanities programs that celebrate the als for FY 2009 Native American Graves munity; those that support artists from creativity of young people, and provide Protection and Repatriation Act (NAG- marginalized populations; and those that them with new learning opportunities PRA) grants. NAGPRA is a Federal law provide exposure to contemporary art and a chance to contribute to their com- that provides a process for museums where it may not otherwise be seen are of munities. The awards also highlight the and Federal agencies to return certain particular interest. Catalogues and other contributions that historians, scholars, Native American cultural items to lineal publications published by smaller orga- librarians and visual and performing art- descendants, culturally affiliated Indian nizations outside of the nation’s cultural ists make to families and communities by tribes, and Native Hawaiian organiza- centers are also of interest. Requests for mentoring children. Each program will tions. Two types of grants are available. grants for projects that take place within receive $10,000 in honor of their accom- Consultation/Documentation Grants are a year of the request will be given prior- plishments in enriching the lives of young awarded annually and range from $5,000 ity consideration. Proposals are reviewed people and their communities. Coming to $90,000. Applications are due March semi-annually, in the spring and the fall. Up Taller is an initiative of the President’s 2,2009 and draft proposals (optional) Letters of inquiry are required before sub- Committee on the Arts and the Humani- must be submitted by December 30, 2008 mitting a proposal and are due by March ties (PCAH) in partnership with the In- for review and comment. Repatriation 15 for the spring grant cycle and August stitute of Museum and Library Services, Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded on 15 fall grant cycle. For further informa- the National Endowment for the Arts and an ongoing basis, October through June tion, Kathleen Shields, Administrative the National Endowment for the Humani- 2009. Applications are available online at Director, One Wind NW, Albuquerque , ties. The next deadline is January 31, 2009. www.nps.gov/history/nagpra/grants or NM, 87120, 505-898-5600, ext. 24 or http:// Nomination guidelines will be posted on contact: [email protected]; 202- efgfoundation.com. www.imls.gov and www.cominguptaller. 354-2203. org when they become available. Secretary of the Commonwealth William The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Francis Galvin and the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) have an- CONNECTING TO COLLECTIONS BOOKSHELF nounced Round 15 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund grant pro- Based on the enthusiastic response from museum, library and archive professionals gram. The MHC is now accepting applica- throughout the country, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will of- tions for Round 15 grants. It is anticipated fer a third, and final, round of competition to distribute an additional 1,000 copies of that funding for Round 15 will be in the the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf. Online applications can be submitted range of the previous two grant rounds, to the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) between January 5, Rounds 13 and 14, which were funded 2009, and March 9, 2009, at www.aaslh.org/Bookshelf. The IMLS Bookshelf, supported at $750,000 and $800,000, respectively. in the third application period by the Henry Luce Foundation, is a core set of texts that The Massachusetts Preservation Projects are essential for the care of collections. The IMLS Bookshelf, valued at approximately Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% re- $800, focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries’ imbursable matching grant program to special collections, with an added selection of texts for zoos, aquaria, public gardens, support the preservation of properties, and nature centers. It addresses such topics as the philosophy and ethics of collecting, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) collections management and planning, emergency preparedness, and culturally specific listed in the State Register of Historic conservation issues. The final set of recipients will also receive a recently published Places. Applicants must be a municipal- book by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC). ity or nonprofit organization. Historic The AIC Guide to Digital Photography and Conservation Documentation is a compre- cultural resources in public and nonprofit hensive guide to photographic equipment, software, and processing for those who use ownership and use frequently suffer from digital photography for conservation documentation. The complete Bookshelf bibliog- deferred maintenance, incompatible use, raphy and the list of application questions are available for review at www.aaslh.org/ or are threatened by demolition. These Bookshelf. Recipients of the IMLS Bookshelf will also receive two guides: The Bookshelf important resources represent a significant User’s Guide and the Guide to Online Resources. Both documents are available on the portion of the Commonwealth’s heritage. IMLS Web Site at www.imls.gov/collections.
2 8 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 Preservation provides nonprofit orga- while at the same time strengthening ties nations must be received by 4:00 pm on nizations and public agencies grants between the museums and their com- January 16, 2009. For further information ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for proj- munities. Museums may request up to visit www.cultureandtourism.org/cct/ ects that contribute to the preservation $120,000 in MCCA funding; awardees are cwp/view.asp?a=2930&q=427402. or the recapture of an authentic sense of required to identify a 50% direct or indi- place. Funds may be used for professional rect match for all MCCA funds received. The Connecticut Trust’s Connecticut advice, conferences, workshops and edu- Instructions for the MCCA proposal pro- Preservation Awards recognize outstand- cation programs. Application postmark cess can be found on the AAM website ing preservation projects and people who deadline is February 1, 2009. For complete at www.aam-us.org/mcca. Deadline for have made significant contributions to details see www.preservationnation.org/ finding a partner and for the submission the preservation of Connecticut’s historic resources/find-funding/nonprofit-public- of the Statement of Intent to Propose is resources. Categories include: The Built funding.html or call Wendy Nicholas, January 30, 2009. Environment; Cultural Landscapes; and Director, National Trust for Historic Pres- Community Service. Any individual, or- ervation Northeast Office, 617-523-0885. The American Association for State and ganization or project involved in historic Local History bestows Leadership in His- preservation is eligible to receive a Con- The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for tory Awards to establish and encourage necticut Preservation Award. Nominated Historic Interiors provides nonprofit standards of excellence in the collection, projects must have been completed since organizations and public agencies grants preservation, and interpretation of state January 1, 2007. Nominations must be ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to assist in and local history throughout the United submitted by March 2, 2009. For further the preservation, restoration and interpreta- States. By publicly recognizing superior information, 203-562-6312 or awards@ tion of historic interiors. Funds may be used and innovative achievements, the Leader- cttrust.org or www.cttrust.org. for professional expertise, print and video ship in History Awards serve as an inspi- communications materials, and education ration to others in the field. AASLH ac- programs. Application postmark deadline cepts nominations for the Award of Merit is February 1, 2009. For complete details see and the Award of Distinction. Deadline is www.preservationnation.org/resources/ March 2, 2009. For nominating informa- find-funding/nonprofit-public-funding. tion, visit www.aaslh.org/aaslh_awards. html or call Wendy Nicholas, Director, htm. National Trust for Historic Preservation Northeast Office, 617-523-0885. The Economic Development Administra- tion (EDA), U.S. Department of Com- National Trust Preservation Funds pro- merce, announces the EDA Excellence in vide two types of assistance to nonprofit Economic Development Awards 2009 to organizations and public agencies: 1) recognize exemplary economic develop- matching grants from $500 to $5,000 for ment accomplishments in communities. preservation planning and educational The nomination category of Excellence efforts, and 2) intervention funds for in Historic Preservation-led Strategies preservation emergencies. Matching grant to Enhance Economic Development is funds may be used to obtain professional noteworthy. Nominations submitted in expertise in areas such as architecture, this category demonstrate significant use archeology, engineering, preservation of regional historic assets (including heri- planning, land-use planning, fund rais- tage tourism) to advance innovative eco- ing, organizational development and law nomic development strategies resulting as well as to provide preservation educa- in higher-skill, higher-wage jobs and sub- tion activities to educate the public. Ap- stantial private capital investment. The plication postmark deadlines are February deadline for entry submissions is April 1, June 1 and October 1. For details see 16, 2009. For more information see www. www.preservationnation.org/resources/ eda.gov after January 15, 2009 or contact find-funding/nonprofit-public-funding. Barbara Earman at 202-482-4521. html or call Wendy Nicholas, Director, National Trust for Historic Preservation The Connecticut Commission on Culture Northeast Office, 617-523-0885. & Tourism seeks nominations for the 2009 Governor’s Awards for Excellence The American Association of Museums is in Culture & Tourism. The awards rec- accepting proposals for the second cycle ognize individuals of significant renown of the Museums & Community Collabo- for excellence and lifetime achievement in rations Abroad (MCCA) program. MCCA the arts, film/video/digital media, history/ is an innovative partnership between heritage/historic preservation or tourism AAM and the U.S. Department of State’s in Connecticut. Connecticut organiza- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Af- tions, schools, government agencies and fairs that empowers museums to connect resident citizens may submit nominations people in the US with people abroad using a form provided by CCCT. Nomi-
NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 • 29 MLI: The Museum Leadership Institute Professional Development Los Angeles, CA Presented by the Getty Leadership Insti- tute. For information, www.getty.edu/ GENERAL nual Conference. For information, www. leadership. Applications are due by Janu- childrensmuseums.org. February 22-24, 2009 ary 13, 2009. Small Museum Association Annual Confer- April 30-May 4, 2009 ence The Museum Experiment COLLECTIONS & CONSERVATION Philadelphia, PA Ocean City, MD January 26 - February 6, 2009 or June 1 - American Association of Museums An- For information, www.smallmuseum.org. June 12, 2009 nual Meeting. For information, www. February 23-24, 2009 2009 Modern Archives Institute aam-us.org/am09. Museum Advocacy Day Washington, DC Washington, DC May 2-5, 2009 Presented by the National Archives. For Read more on page 27 and visit www.aam- Museum Store Association Retail Conference information, www.archives.gov/preserva- us.org for sign-up information. & Expo tion/modern-archives-institute. Phoenix, AZ February 25–28, 2009 March 26, 2009 For info., www.museumdistrict.com/Con- College Art Association Annual Conference 23rd Annual Preservation Conference fExpo/expo.cfm. Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC For information, http://conference.colleg- June 18-20, 2009 Presented by the National Archives. For eart.org/2009. Renewable Resources: Arts in Sustainable information, www.archives.gov/preserva- Communities February 26-27, 2009 tion/conferences/2009. Seattle, WA 2009 WebWise Conference on Libraries and March 27-28, 2009 Americans for the Arts Annual Conven- Museums in the Digital World New England Archivists Spring Meeting tion. For information, www.americans- Washington, DC Cambridge, MA forthearts.org/events/2009/convention. Free conference presented by IMLS. For For information, www.newenglandarchi- information, webwise2009.fcla.edu. May 31-June 2, 2009 vists.org. See page 17 for more details. Creativity and Collaboration: An Exhibitions February 26-28, 2009 March 29-31, 2009 Retreat Building Museums™ Symposium Creating Exhibitions™ Symposium: Looking Monterey, CA Washington, DC Forward and Looking Back Presented by the American Association of Presented by the Mid-Atlantic Associa- Jersey City, NJ Museums. For information, www.aam-us. tion of Museums. For information, www. Presented by the Mid-Atlantic Associa- org/getinvolved/learn/creativityandcol- midatlanticmuseums.org/creatingexhibi- tion of Museums. For information, www. laboration.cfm. tions.html. midatlanticmuseums.org/creatingexhibi- March 29-30, 2009 ADMINISTRATION tions.html. April 25, 2009 Museums in Conversation: Fresh Perspectives January 29, 2009 Preservation Steps Out for New York State Museums The New Tax Form 990-Part 2: Drilldown Kingston, RI Tarrytown, NY Webinar presented by the American As- Annual RI Statewide Historic Preserva- Upstate History Alliance and Museum As- sociation of Museums. For information, tion Conference. For information, www. sociation of New York annual conference. www.aam-us.org/getinvolved/learn/tax- rihphc.state.ri.us/conference/index.php For information, www.upstatehistory.org 990part2.cfm. or manyonline.org. May 27-29, 2009 February 13-14, 2009 March 30-31, 2009 Digital Directions: Fundamentals of Creating CEOs and Governance Seminar and Managing Digital Collections Arts Advocacy Day Tucson, AZ San Diego, CA Washington, DC For information, www.aam-us.org/getin- Presented by the Northeast Document Presented by the Americans for the Arts. volved/learn/ceosandgovernance.cfm. For info., www.americansforthearts.org/ Conservation Center. For information events/2009/aad. March 18-19, 2009 contact Julie Martin, [email protected] or Straight Talk: Museums Rising to the Finan- www.nedcc.org. April 8-11, 2009 cial Challenge May 19-22, 2009 National Popular Culture & American Cul- Online workshop presented by the Amer- 2.0—New Directions ture Associations ican Association of Museums. For info., Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA www.aam-us.org/getinvolved/learn/tips- The American Institute for Conservation For information, www.pcaaca.org/confer- forraisingmoney.cfm ence/national.php. Annual Meeting. For information, http:// April 1-3, 2009 aic.stanford.edu/meetings. April 14-18, 2009 Legal Issues in Museum Administration Museums and the Web 2009 Boston, MA EDUCATION & INTERPRETATION Indianapolis, Indiana Cosponsored by The Smithsonian In- January 28, 2009 For information, www.archimuse.com/ stitution with the cooperation of the Handheld Conference Online: From Audiot- mw2009/index.html. American Association of Museums. For April 28-30, 2009 information, www.ali-aba.org/index.cfm? ours to iPhones InterActivity 2009: Declare Your Impact! fuseaction=courses.course&course_code= Presented by LearningTimes. For infor- Philadelphia, PA CP035&contenttype=11. mation, www.handheldconference.org. Association of Children’s Museums An- July 11-31, 2009
3 0 • NEMA NEWS / WINTER 2009 April 17-21, 2009 New York and Canada before 1890. Based Visual Arts Education: A Landscape for 21st on the premise that New England’s every- Century Learning day economy depended on regional in- Current Minneapolis, Minnesota terconnectivity, this conference attempts National Art Education Association to examine the physical, professional, Exhibitions National Convention. For information, and cultural networks that facilitated and www.naea-reston.org/convention.html. encouraged this movement. Waterways and Byways, 1600–1890, will take place Current Exhibitions can now be found on HISTORY in Deerfield, MA, June 13-14, 2009. For the NEMA website, www.nemanet.org/ April 2-5, 2009 further information contact Peter Benes, currentexhibits.htm. Toward Broader Horizons Director, Dublin Seminar for New Eng- Listing over 400 Institutional Mem- Providence, RI land Folklife, Boston University Scholarly, National Council on Public History an- e-mail: [email protected], phone: 978-369- bers with links to their websites. 7382 or www.bu.edu/dublinseminar/Call- nual meeting. NEMA is co-sponsoring Updated on a continuous basis with ForPapers09a.html. the 1/2-day workshop “New Solutions for exhibits from throughout the New Eng- House Museums,” and NEMA members February 2, 2009 land Region. receive $10 off its $35 fee. For information, AAM’s Brooking Paper on Creativity in Museums recognizes innovative accom- visit www.ncph.org. There are several options to list your plishments that produce new ways of AWARDS AND CALLS FOR PAPERS thinking and seeing within the museum museum’s exhibitions: 1) Submit listings through NEMA’s January 5 – February 29, 2009 field. Papers can describe examples of Current Exhibitions Form (www.nema- Several AAM Standing Professional Com- creativity in any aspect of museum op- mittees have fellowships and or scholar- erations, from collections, programs and net.org/currentexhibitsform.htm) ships available to attend the AAM Annual exhibitions to finance, marketing and 2) Email listings to nemaexhibitlist@ Meeting in Philadelphia. Please see the administration—or anything in between. tiac.net or add this email address to AAM website, www.aam-us.org, for de- E-mail questions to [email protected] your museum’s e-newsletter, member- tails including specific deadlines. or visit www.aam-us.org. ship or PR list February 1, 2009 3) Mail announcements to the NEMA The Dublin Seminar for New England office Folklife is accepting proposals for papers 4) Fax a listing of exhibitions to 781- and presentations on the subject of early 641-0053 transportation networks operating within New England and contiguous portions of
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