Registration Fee (bring your own lunch): $40 NEMA members / $50 non-members
All staff from Institutional and Corporate members are eligible for the member rate.
Not sure if your organization is a member? Just call NEMA, 781-641-0013, to find out.
Times are changing at historic sites. Competition for funding is fierce, the value of history in people’s daily lives is becoming marginalized, and modern technology is changing the way we do business. In order to survive, it is critical that historic sites know, understand, and engage their audiences and ensure the full support of their local communities. The Historic Sites PAG will present several case studies of museums that have successfully engaged their communities and are creating more sustainable strategies for the future. We’ll hear from a range of organizations and end the day with a conversation about engagement strategies. The conversation will encourage brainstorming and the sharing of ideas. Bring a community engagement challenge from your own organization to discuss with the group.
About the Venue
Highfield Hall opened in 2006 as a non-traditional historic site and community cultural center. The restored building welcomes visitors to learn about the history of the estate, but, with no historical collection, it is driven by programs that serve the community -- from music concerts and lectures, to art shows, author talks, nature programs, and culinary classes. Highfield Hall has successfully managed to attract a devoted audience that is enthused and supportive, despite a challenging economy. Come and see why!
9:30 am Registration and Coffee
10:00 am Welcome
Barbara Milligan, Executive Director, Historic Highfield, Inc.
10:15 am Why now?
Barbara Silberman, President, Sargent House Museum
Barbara Silberman, a former grant officer for the Pew Charitable Trust and a member of the AASLH Board of Directors, will start the day off with an overview of why community engagement is so critical to ensure our historic sites remain relevant and properly funded.
10:30 am Strike Up the Brand: Transformation on a Large Scale
Diane Viera, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Historic New England
Learn about the process Historic New England used to better understand its audience and rebrand the organization in 2004. The process continues with more recent audience research that is driving the development of Historic New England’s new website.
11:15 am Break
11:30 am Community Engagement: Breaking the Mold!
Tim Firment, Executive Director, Fruitlands Museums
How do you make your museum the community jewel? Learn how to reach out, build bridges and become relevant again. Intuition, risk taking, and breaking the mold is all part of the transformation process.
12:15 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Can we have a CD release party here? Yes! Community use of the Gov. John Langdon House
Elizabeth Farish, Maine and New Hampshire Regional Site Manager, Historic New England
It is perhaps every museum professional’s instinct to stray on the side of caution, take no chances, and even say “no” more than “yes” to non-traditional use of their site. After all, the primary mission is always to protect and preserve both house site and collections, not to experiment. However, in a small city of nine house museums, a major outdoor history museum, a noteworthy historic theatre, etc. there are few options. Historic New England decided to take a chance and step out of the mold. Follow the process of the Gov. John Langdon House as it moves from being a traditional house museum, to being a traditional house museum with the flexibility to host local bands, luncheons, and even a Saturday morning yoga class.
1:20 pm The Andover Historical Society's Journey to a New Mission/Vision
Elaine Clements, Executive Director, Andover Historical Society
For the past eight years, the Andover Historical Society has been working toward a new mission/vision that resonates with our community and defines the service the Society provides. With a newly voted mission/vision in hand, we are working with board, staff, members, volunteers, and community stakeholders to identify ways we can accomplish our mission to build a stronger community. The resulting strategic plan will be an ongoing work in progress as the Society continues the conversation with our community.
2:00 pm Conversation and Best Ideas
Moderated by Elaine Clements, Executive Director, Andover Historical Society and Pilar Garro, Site Manager, Beauport, Historic New England
Directions to Highfield Hall will be emailed with your confirmation.
Registration is limited.
Questions? Call NEMA, 781-641-0013.