Museums are noted for their intellectual and creative vision. The doors of museums, historical societies, and art and science centers open on breathtaking beauty, colorful historical legends, scientific wonders and the diversity of cultures from around the globe. Through museum programs and collections visitors of all ages encounter delights, surprises and new ideas as they find joy in life-long learning. Museums are so successful in this endeavor that visitors may not stop to recognize the ways in which museums also contribute to an informed citizenry, support the local economy and ensure the preservation of our heritage for future generations.

Achieving excellence in stewardship, access and education is central to the vision of museums and related institutions. In the pursuit of this vision museums deliver exceptional value to the public: students, teachers, families, underserved populations, donors and taxpayers alike. To all who use and support museums, they promise never to waver in maintaining the public’s trust. Museums keep this promise during golden times and during economic crises that threaten not only their own income but also the vitality of the communities they exist to serve. New and better exhibitions, after-school programs, art classes, history days, science workshops, literacy programs and community festivals are the hallmarks of museums’ ongoing commitment to keep their promise. 

As the cost of these programs continues to rise, museums face difficult choices. Few museums can offer free access to programs without jeopardizing organizational sustainability. Yet if museums passed on the full cost of programs to their users—including the cost of caring for the collections on which these programs are based—large segments of their audience would be excluded and museums would become indistinguishable from for-profit businesses. What does it mean for a museum to operate in a sustainable manner while fulfilling its promise to maintain the public’s trust and deliver exceptional value?

And what of the public’s promise to museums, historical societies, and art and science centers? After all, it’s our common national history, our collective cultural and scientific heritage that is held in New England museums. What is the public’s responsibility to these institutions and the colleagues who serve them? In what measure should society support museums through agencies of government beyond tax exemption, for example? Or should support for museums primarily be vested in the donations and grants of individuals and private foundations? In what ways might society support the mission of museums other than through financial contributions? The public must consider what will be the hallmarks of its commitment to these institutions.

Join us for the NEMA Annual Conference “Promises to Keep: Vision and Value in Museums,” in Nashua, New Hampshire, November 11 to 13, 2009. Here we will explore opportunities for strengthening the compact between museums and the public. The program will include value-added networking opportunities, inspiring speakers and informative sessions for colleagues working in museums of every size and discipline. That is NEMA’s promise to our colleagues, and we can’t wait to see you there.