National Council on Public History

Elyssa Ford, Assistant Professor of History, Northwest Missouri State University

Proposal Type

Structured Conversation

Seeking

• Seeking Additional Presenters
• General Feedback and Interest

Related Topics

• Civic Engagement
• Museums/Exhibits

Abstract

The International Council of Museums defines a museum as “a non-profit-making, permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, and open to the public….” The word “permanent” is of central importance to this definition, but sometimes that permanence is in jeopardy. What should happen when a museum struggles?

This question is unfortunately common for many small museums. Local history sites often run on limited money and staff. Many community members vocally support these institutions but do little in terms of volunteer hours and monetary donations. Can you turn that vocal support into something more physical and long-term? When is maintaining the museum no longer possible? How do you make that decision?

Seeking

I think this would be the perfect topic for a structured conversation. This would allow people on the panel to direct the conversation, create and ask guiding questions, and to share (in a limited manner) their own experience with this issue. It also would allow audience members to share their experiences and to raise concerns and questions that they may be facing currently.

Do you have suggestions for guiding questions in addition to the ones listed at the end of the panel abstract?

Do you have experience with either saving a museum or making the decision to let it die? If so, would you be interested in participating in this panel? Please email me at [email protected] (Elyssa Ford) if so. Include your name, the institution involved, when this happened, how you were involved, and anything else that you think is relevant. Please contact me by the end of June so that I can get the panel finalized and ready to submit.

If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to share contact information for other people the proposer should reach out to, please get in contact directly: Elyssa Ford

If you have general ideas or feedback to share please feel free to use the comments feature below.

All feedback, and offers of assistance, should be submitted by July 3, 2016.

COMMENTS HAVE CLOSED. PLEASE EMAIL THE PROPOSER DIRECTLY WITH ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR OFFERS TO COLLABORATE.

Discussion