2019 Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference June 23-26, 2019 Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall
s.si.edu/2019program | #SmithsonianInSession
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WELCOME Welcome to the 2019 Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference! This year’s conference promises to be a meaningful and inspiring four days of networking, learning, and exploring collaboration. For those who have joined us in the past, you will see that we are doing some things differently. As we look at the next chapter of the Affiliations program, we are experimenting with new approaches and testing new ideas, and the conference is no exception. Most obviously, the conference is in a new location, with more modern amenities and space to grow the number of attendees. For the first time we have opened registration not only to Affiliates but also to our Smithsonian colleagues. There’s no better way to encourage collaboration between Affiliates and the Smithsonian than to learn side-by-side, share your work, and discuss new ideas. This year’s conference is the result of our first-ever call for proposals, issued to both Affiliate and Smithsonian staff. In addition, a group of Smithsonian and Affiliate colleagues served on a proposal review committee, providing feedback and ideas about ways to strengthen the conference. I look forward to meeting and talking with you this week; please also respond to evaluation requests throughout the conference as well as the post-conference survey. I look forward to hearing from you about what works and ways in which we can improve. Collaboration is about listening to each other and I hope we have provided multiple opportunities for unexpected outcomes, stronger engagement, and collegial exchange. Here’s to a great conference,
Myriam Springuel Director Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations #SmithsonianInSession 3
CONFERENCE TRACKS The 2019 Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference theme, Leveraging Partnerships and Collaborating More Effectively, focuses on six topics that can bring our collective educational resources and tools to audiences to achieve greater reach, greater relevance, and have profound impact. Sessions throughout the conference guidebook are tagged with icons matching these topic areas and are developed to answer the following questions:
Women’s History
Earth Optimism
How can we deepen our understanding of women’s contributions to America and the world through exhibitions, programs, and collections?
How can we change our focus from problem to solution, from a sense of loss to one of hope, in the dialogue about conservation and sustainability?
Digital First How can we use digital tools and technologies to engage with our audiences in new ways?
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Leveraging the Smithsonian Partnership How can we maximize branding, membership, and programming to yield high-impact and engaging activities with new and renewing audiences?
Creating Communities of Engagement How can we inspire new thinking? Where can we find common ground to spark new partnerships? How can we encourage new people to get involved?
AAM AAM Core Documents How can the American Alliance of Museums’ five core documents— Mission Statement, Institutional Code of Ethics, Strategic Institutional Plan, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan, and Collections Management Policy—help institutions embody core museum values and practices?
4 s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
2019 SMITHSONIAN AFFILIATIONS NATIONAL CONFERENCE
June 23-26, 2019
SUNDAY, JUNE 23 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Conference Registration Ballroom A Foyer, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Workshop: NASA’s Universe of Learning McPherson, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Mary Dussault, Program Manager, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Annette Eshelman, Curator of Education, Springfield Museum of Art Annie Hylton, City Librarian, Cerritos Library Timothy Rhue, Senior Informal Education Specialist, Space Telescope Science Institute Erika Wright, Education Specialist, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory How can we connect our audiences to the wonders of the universe? Discover the benefits of NASA’s Universe of Learning (NUoL), a partnership among Smithsonian Affiliations, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and a network of NASA scientists and educators dedicated to developing multidisciplinary ways to access astronomy content. NUoL has developed a suite of astronomy exploration resources: images, visualizations, hands-on activities, exhibits, and digital interactives. In this hands-on workshop, Affiliate organizations will share their experiences adapting these resources to meet the needs of their local audiences. Then, participants will have opportunities to explore immersive virtual reality environments, control robotic telescopes to scan the skies, manipulate images of galaxies and nebulae, and devise ways to take these experiences home to their audiences. The goal is to learn how participants can adapt NASA resources in innovative ways to their own local context to better advance scientific literacy. Finally, participants will find out how to apply in August 2019 to receive implementation funds to create their own NASA’s Universe of Learning program!
#SmithsonianInSession | Sunday, June 23rd 5
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. \
Workshop- Inspire Positive Planetary Change: Connect Your Audience to Earth Optimism NoMa, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Kate Christen, Senior Manager, Smithsonian Conservation Commons Jennifer Collins, Manager of Ocean Education, National Museum of Natural History Sulema Castro, Program Manager, Office of the Director, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonian’s Earth Optimism (EO) initiative aims to reach 1 billion people worldwide, amplifying the power of real-life tales of hope and success in the face of global environmental challenges in conservation, sustainability, and climate change. Affiliates are well-placed to play an important role in reaching communities across North America and beyond. Join this workshop to discuss what Earth Optimism is and share ideas on how Affiliates can inspire audiences for sustainable action by connecting them to Earth Optimism 2020’s Washington, DC-based event and simultaneous events happening locally, regionally and around the globe, especially during Earth Week in April 2020. EO team members will share examples of activities, facilitate connections and collaborations, provide tools, and garner interest and early commitments from Affiliates.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Workshop: Rapid Prototyping: Establishing and Evaluating New Solutions in Programming Solarium, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Nyssa Buning, Spark!Lab National Network Coordinator, Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, National Museum of American History Emma Grahn, Spark!Lab Manager, Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, National Museum of American History Chris Marrazzo, Manager of Museum Operations, US Space & Rocket Center What does it mean to prototype? What impact does it have and how do you measure success? Through the invention process used in Spark!Lab in the National Museum of American History and network sites in museums across the country such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, this session will introduce how to adapt content to a variety of museum settings and audiences. Hear from Spark!Lab and Affiliate staff on how they test and evaluate new prototypes with stakeholders. Participants will create a prototype based on their organization’s content, and gather feedback from session leaders and other attendees.
6 Sunday, June 23rd | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Welcome Session: Smithsonian Affiliations—The Essentials Archives, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Led by Smithsonian Affiliations Team Open to all Smithsonian and Affiliate attendees. Come to this session and discover something new about your fellow Affiliate and Smithsonian colleagues. Share your experiences of working with each other, or learn ways you can begin collaborating. We’ll focus on the essentials of what it means to be a Smithsonian Affiliate as well as what it means to collaborate with Affiliates. Smithsonian Affiliations staff will be on hand to answer questions and elaborate on all the ways we connect.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception Solarium, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall
#SmithsonianInSession | Sunday, June 23rd 7
MONDAY, JUNE 24 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Solarium, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Continental breakfast will be provided
7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Conference Registration L’Enfant Foyer A&B, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Keynote Conference Kickoff: Leadership and Change #BecauseOfHerStory L’Enfant Ballroom A & B, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Conference Welcome, Myriam Springuel, Director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations Opening remarks about the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative from Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs, Smithsonian Institution In Conversation: Ellen Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) will speak with Brenda Gaines, Smithsonian National Board Member and Advisory Board Chair at the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) about leadership, creating change, and nurturing the next generation. Ms. Stofan will provide insights on ways in which she is leading the National Air and Space Museum as it revitalizes and reimagines the museum, and its national presence. As the first woman to lead NASM, Ellen Stofan is no stranger to leading change. She served as NASA’s chief scientist, developed plans to bring humans to Mars, and worked on science policy with President Obama’s science advisor and the National Science and Technology Council. Brenda Gaines retired as President and CEO of Citicorp Diners Club, a member of Citigroup, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Chicago’s Mayor Harold Washington and as Commissioner of the Department of Housing for the City of Chicago.
8 Monday, June 24th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
CONCURRENT MORNING SESSIONS 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Coffee & Tea Break
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Maximizing Local and National Partnerships for Cultural Relevance
NoMa, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Ashley Naranjo, Manager of Educator Engagement, Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access Philippa Rappoport, Manager of Community Engagement, Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access This speed-dating session will feature Smithsonian and Affiliate museum educators who have collaborated in a nationwide education program designed to develop new instructional materials and content highlighting Asian Pacific American and Latino experiences within K-12 humanities subject areas. Using the Smithsonian Learning Lab platform, teachers and museum educators are able to create and share locally relevant digital resources both in their classrooms and with a growing network of educators across the country. Learn more about how you can leverage digital museum resources from the Smithsonian and your own museum for increased access, visibility, and impact. Featured Affiliate partners: Lisa Falk, Head, Community Engagement, Arizona State Museum Erika Garcia, Education Assistant, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Heather Ingram, Assistant Director of Education, Arizona State Museum Gina Alicia Lopez Ramos, Curator of Education, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Angie Lowrie, Director, Western Reserve Historical Society Mary Manning, College and Career Readiness Specialist, Western Reserve Historical Society Lynn Yamasaki, Director of Education, Japanese American National Museum
#SmithsonianInSession | Monday, June 24th 9
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. \
Collaboration, In Service to Accessibility Dupont, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Sally Brannan, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Wittenberg University Todd Buck, Coordinator of Professional Development and Curriculum, Springfield City School District Jenna Gabriel, Manager, Special Education, Education Division, Office of Very Special Arts and Accessibility, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Ashley Grady, Senior Program Specialist, Access Smithsonian Amy Korpieski, Museum Educator and Arts Alive Coordinator, Springfield Museum of Art and Arts Alive In this case study, panelists will explain how the Springfield Museum of Art constructed partnerships in its community and leveraged its relationships with national organizations to bring unique resources to educators. The discussion will focus on how a small museum crafted innovative ways to bring something new to its community, in particular professional development around serving students with disabilities. The panel will guide participants in thinking through a range of collaborative opportunities to address accessibility in their communities in fresh ways.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Break: Birds of a Feather Table Meet-Ups L’Enfant Ballrooms A&B, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Lunch is not provided. The L’Enfant Plaza food court is conveniently located one level below the hotel.
We’ll provide space for attendees to gather for informal conversations around topics of shared interest. Each topic will have a facilitator to start the discussion. Topics will be announced before lunch; there will also be space for general discussion. Look for signs on the lunch tables to join a conversation that’s interesting and relevant to your work.
10 Monday, June 24th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
CONCURRENT AFTERNOON SESSIONS 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Campus in Crisis: Honoring Survivors of Sexual Assault NoMa, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Mark Auslander, Director, Michigan State University Museum Denice Blair, Education Manager, Michigan State University Museum Chong-Anna Canfora, Director of Development, Michigan State University Museum Teresa Goforth, Exhibitions Manager, Michigan State University Museum Kelly Hansen, University Outreach and Engagement, Exhibition Designer, Michigan State University Museum Ellen Schattschneider, Brandeis University, Arts and Culture Consultant Amanda Thomashow, Sister Survivor and Advocate, Member of MSU Museum’s Survivor and Allies Advisory Committee Mary Worrall, Curator, Textiles and Social Justice, Michigan State University Museum In 2017, Michigan State University found itself at the center of a national conversation around sexual abuse. The Michigan State University Museum stepped forward in its role as a community space to collect, document, and create programming to honor survivors of sexual abuse. Working with the sister survivors, parents, and community members, the Michigan State University Museum has created an exhibition called Finding Our Voice: Sister Survivors Speak. The exhibition demonstrates the power of museums working in collaboration with their communities to tackle difficult and highly charged topics. This process has been mindful of recognizing when to step back and listen, realizing that the museum’s job was to help create spaces for those most impacted to have a voice. This session will discuss actions, challenges, and rewards of working through a community curation process and tackling difficult, topical, and highly charged subjects.
#SmithsonianInSession | Monday, June 24th 11
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Catalyzing Change in Climate Education Dupont, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Carol Bossert, Project Director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) Megan Chen, Ocean Education Specialist, National Museum of Natural History Jennifer Collins, Manager of Ocean Education, National Museum of Natural History Lisa Gardiner, Science Writer/Illustrator/Educator, UCAR Center for Science Education, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Becca Hatheway, Manager of Teaching and Learning, UCAR Center for Science Education, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Nicole Webster, Manager of School Programs, National Museum of Natural History What are Affiliates and the Smithsonian doing to address climate change? This session will catalyze collective action by exploring ways that we can work together to foster conversations around climate change within the philosophy of Earth Optimism—changing the conversation from gloom and doom and building a community of practice around what is working in conservation. Several projects are already in the works. To get the conversation started, participants will respond to challenging questions about climate change—what do we expect visitors to learn; what values or common language are we using to talk about this issue; how are we involving youth in education and advocacy; and what is the role of scientists and facts in the discussion? Panelists will share how their organizations use programming to tackle these questions and open the conversation to participants to share what they are doing. Let’s brainstorm how we can leverage our resources to increase our national impact and address climate change in each of our communities.
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Coffee & Tea Break
12 Monday, June 24th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Becoming Smithsonian: Internal Collaboration and Activating Your Affiliation L’Enfant Ballroom A, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Jennifer Brundage, National Outreach Manager, Smithsonian Affiliations Brett Smith, Director of Advancement, The Rockwell Museum Willa Vogel, Marketing Manager, The Rockwell Museum Brian Lee Whisenhunt, Executive Director, The Rockwell Museum How does your organization’s structure and culture support the evolution of your Smithsonian affiliation? An example from The Rockwell Museum demonstrates how it changed its internal structure to better leverage the affiliation. By designing internal communication to support the evolution, The Rockwell Museum maximized its impact and delivered greater value to the communities it serves. Join representatives from The Rockwell Museum and Smithsonian Affiliations for a panel discussion as they share how their model for internal collaboration has fully leveraged their Affiliation and increased community engagement.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
AAM
Creating a Resource Development Community for Museums in Post Disaster Recovery L’Enfant Ballroom B, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Lori Foley, Administrator, Heritage Emergency National Task Force, Federal Emergency Management Agency Liz Kirby, Senior Adviser, Programs and Partnerships, Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative Today, irreplaceable collections and essential records that make up the fabric of our communities face unprecedented hazards. Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and other threats render people and their heritage increasingly vulnerable. Cultural heritage is not a renewable commodity; when it is gone, communities lose resources for economic development, tourism, and commerce, as well as our shared identity, knowledge, and creativity. Speakers will explain how the topic of resource development emerged as an important issue following recent disasters and then dive into a hypothetical case study framed around a major disaster. The case study will explore challenges and possibilities for grant professionals and others with grant-writing responsibilities to assist museums that are dealing with a disaster’s aftermath and need temporary assistance in applying for resources. This session will encourage participants to think about their organization’s capacity to deal with a disaster.
#SmithsonianInSession | Monday, June 24th 13
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Coffee & Tea Break
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Smithsonian Affiliate Membership Programs: OPT-IN To REV-UP Your Membership
Deborah Barnhart, CEO & Executive Director, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Laura Hansen, National Outreach Manager, Smithsonian Affiliations Carrie Kiewitt, Senior Vice President of Membership, Communications & Engagement, Historic Annapolis Natalie Wimberly, Management Support Specialist, Smithsonian Affiliations
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What can communicate your Smithsonian Affiliation to your community, generate revenue for your organization, and encourage your visitors to become new members? The Smithsonian Affiliate Membership Program! Learn about the two-in-one and reciprocal membership opportunities and the unique benefits they can add to your existing membership program, including subscriptions to Smithsonian or Air & Space magazine. We’ll offer tips and strategies for getting started with membership, and your fellow Affiliates will share the innovative ways they have used the Affiliate Membership Program to benefit their members and their organization.
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) Curator-led Exhibition Tour (Limited to 25 participants) Meet in the hotel lobby at 3:30 pm for transportation to the museum. If going by Metro- from L’Enfant Plaza Metro station take green or yellow lines to Gallery Place Chinatown. Exit the station following the signs for galleries. Tour will meet at the 8th and G Streets NW entrance.
Tour leader: Sarah Newman, James Dicke Curator of Contemporary Art SAAM curator Sarah Newman will lead participants on a tour of the exhibition Tiffany Chung: Vietnam, Past is Prologue. The exhibition probes the legacies of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Part of the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative, the exhibition highlights an acclaimed artist whose work explores migration, conflict and shifting geographies in the wake of political and natural upheavals. #BecauseOfHerStory 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Smithsonian Reception: National Museum of African Art Special remarks from Deputy Director Christine Mullen Kreamer The exhibitions Good As Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women and African Mosaic: Selections from the Permanent Collection will be open for reception guests.
14 Monday, June 24th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
TUESDAY, JUNE 25TH 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Morning Meet Up: Smithsonian Digital Program Office Demo McPherson, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Vincent Rossi, Supervisor, 3D Program, Smithsonian Digital Program Office (DPO) Join the Smithsonian DPO for a morning demonstration of an open source 3D viewer and storytelling tool. The digital team will break down the language (metadata, storage, open source) and share how these tools can be used for free. Using the Apollo Command Module as an example, see how these interactives are being used as learning tools for students of all ages and levels. Follow up with the team at the Smithsonian Resource Fair after the demo.
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Smithsonian Resource Fair (includes continental breakfast, coffee and tea) Gallery Ballrooms, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Meet with liaisons from Smithsonian museums, programs, and offices, as well as additional special exhibitors.
#SmithsonianInSession | Tuesday, June 25th 15
CONCURRENT MORNING SESSIONS 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
How Can Museums Effectively Respond to Changing Contexts? McPherson, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Carol Hart, Director, Greensboro History Museum Matthew Stiffler, Research and Content Manager, Arab American National Museum In a world where environmental issues, local political situations, and changing cultural contexts can impact educational and cultural institutions, do you know how your organization can quickly and effectively respond to these changes? This session uses case studies from recent events in Affiliate communities to demonstrate how organizations can use programs, exhibits, and other strategies to tell a community’s story while staying mission-driven and avoiding actions that could adversely affect the organization’s position, reputation or funding. Learn how two Affiliates are acknowledging different perspectives and exploring contexts of meaning. Find allies, hear about different response strategies, and discover the tools and platforms that other organizations are using to be responsive to their communities’ needs.
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Re-Booting with Interactive Augmented Reality Potomac, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Perri L. Irmer, President & CEO, DuSable Museum of African American History Mark A. Hall, Vice President, Avidity Technologies, Inc. Mary Ann Thornton, Director of Operations, Avidity Technologies In 2018, The DuSable Museum used a Google grant to fund technology infrastructure improvements, as well as to develop new technology features for the museum’s permanent exhibit, The Harold Washington Story. The most exciting component was a new augmented reality app, The Augmented DuSable Museum. The technology merges the ideas of developers, designers, content creators, curators, and others, and results in an engaging product that will enhance the museum experience. This session will present the challenges and successes experienced during the planning and implementation of the project, and the ongoing realization of this exciting re-boot at the nation’s oldest independent black history museum.
16 Tuesday, June 25th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Lunch Break: Birds of a Feather Table Meet-Ups Gallery Ballrooms, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall
Lunch is not provided. The L’Enfant Plaza food court is conveniently located one level below the hotel.
We’ll provide space for attendees to gather for informal conversations around topics of shared interest. Each topic will have a facilitator to start the discussion. Topics will be announced before lunch; there will also be space for general discussion. Look for signs on the lunch tables to join a conversation that’s interesting and relevant to your work.
CONCURRENT AFTERNOON SESSIONS 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Honoring Traditions/Bridging Generations: Creating a Community of Engagement NoMa, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Lisa Falk, Head, Community Engagement, Arizona State Museum (ASM) Heather Ingram, Assistant Director of Education, Arizona State Museum Harrison Preston, Tohono O’odham Artist, Emerging Artist Intern Honoring Traditions/Bridging Generations connected indigenous master and emerging artists and the public. Linked to ASM’s Save American Treasures collections, the nine-month program honored six master basket weavers and potters, while building skills in artistry, presentation, and museum education for a cohort of six emerging artist interns. This session shares how a community of engagement can build capacity for all involved. Discussion will continue during a hands-on basket weaving activity.
#SmithsonianInSession | Tuesday, June 25th 17
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The “Saving Your Family Treasures” Program and YOU Dupont, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Stacy Bowe, Training Program Manager, Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative Lori Foley, Administrator, Heritage Emergency National Task Force, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
AAM
Following a major disaster, survivors often discard damaged personal property, which can include treasured pieces of history and heritage integral to a person’s family and cultural identity. Museums are in a unique position to provide preservation advice and demonstrate material-handling techniques to these disaster survivors within their community. With training, they can help survivors salvage their irreplaceable heirlooms such as photos, books, and artwork, providing hope for recovery. The Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative and FEMA, which launched “Saving Your Family Treasures,” will demonstrate this program’s guidance and seek interested collaborators who wish to implement this type of program at their institution. 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Coffee & Tea Break 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Creative Remixing: Developing Digital Collections into Relevant and Accessible Web Resources McPherson, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Sherri Berger, Head of Digital Programs, National Museum of American History Rebecca Dikow, Research Data Scientist, Data Science Lab, Smithsonian Office of the Chief Information Officer Effie Kapsalis, Senior Digital Program Officer, Smithsonian Institution This panel will look at ways cultural heritage organizations can develop their digital collections into relevant and accessible web resources. Experts will share strategies and processes developed not just to digitize and publish collections online, but also to embed collections data in multiple corners of the web—with the goal of contributing to a far-reaching online knowledge commons. We will look at how this work fits into online educational platforms like the Smithsonian’s Learning Lab, and new initiatives like the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative. We will cover opportunities for Affiliates to partner with these exciting initiatives and give tips on how to “bring it home.”
18 Tuesday, June 25th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Achieving Inclusive Philanthropy in Museums Potomac, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Eduardo Díaz, Director, Smithsonian Latino Center Stefanie Muscat, Director of Advancement, Abbe Museum The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine is recognized as a world leader in decolonizing museum practices. As the education and collection teams work tirelessly to be inclusive in the museum’s spaces and programs, the Abbe has extended the dialogue to include both the museum’s marketing and philanthropy efforts. In this session, panelists share their evolving experiences with the ways that identity, exclusion, and privilege have shaped museum giving, and the work being done to engage new audiences and rethink traditional beliefs around wealth and philanthropy. How do we adjust our marketing and development language to reflect this necessary shift? Come to this moderated town hall prepared to learn and participate in a dialogue.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tour of Section 14: The Other Palm Springs, California (Limited to 20 participants)
Transportation will be provided from the hotel. If walking, it is a 1015 minute walk from the hotel. Tour will meet at the museum’s south entrance on Independence Avenue.
Tour leader: Mandy Van Heuvelen (Mnicoujou Lakota), Cultural Interpreter Program Coordinator, National Museum of the American Indian A new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian explores the land battle at the core of the conflict between Western expansion and Indigenous peoples. A one-square-mile tract in downtown Palm Springs, California, Section 14 forms the heart of the reservation belonging to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. As the city evolved from a desert outpost to a playground of the rich and famous, Section 14 became more desirable to developers. Between the 1940s and 1960s, competing interests vied for this valuable land. It became a battleground over issues of tribal sovereignty, land zoning, leasing, economics, and race. On this exhibition tour, participants will learn how the museum uses the exhibitions to open discussion on challenging topics and how this exhibition fits the museum’s goals of telling a fuller and richer story of American history. The exhibition is produced by Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate.
#SmithsonianInSession | Tuesday, June 25th 19
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Habitat: Protecting Habitats Protects Life (Limited to 20 participants)
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Transportation will not be provided. Tour begins in the Enid A. Haupt Garden on Independence Avenue, a 5-7 minute walk from the hotel. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Tour leader: James Gagliardi, Supervisory Horticulturalist, Smithsonian Gardens In its inaugural Smithsonian-wide exhibition, Habitat, Smithsonian Gardens encourages visitors to take a fresh look at the roles people and plants play in our cultural and natural worlds. Through 14 distinct exhibits in indoor and outdoor gardens across the Smithsonian campus, Habitat explores the central theme that protecting habitats protects life. The tour begins at the Enid A. Haupt Garden where a series of three exhibits focus on “Concepts in Conservation,” a theme which illustrates the interconnectivity of species within their habitats and the value of their protection. Throughout the journey, many exhibits provide a habitat story related to the museum where they are located. Smithsonian Gardens is an American Alliance of Museums accredited museum which extends the Smithsonian experience into a public garden setting. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Objects Out of Storage: Giving Presence to People Left Out of History (Limited to 25 participants) Transportation will be provided from the hotel. If you are walking, the National Museum of American History is a 15-20 minute walk from the Hilton. By metro- from L’Enfant Plaza take the blue, silver, or orange line to the Smithsonian metro station or Federal Triangle metro station. Tour will meet at the visitor information desk, 2nd floor, National Mall entrance.
Tour leader: Katherine Ott, Curator, Division of Medicine and Science, National Museum of American History As museum professionals, we know it’s important for our institutions to reflect the complete story of our communities. But how do we tell stories about groups or individuals not represented in our collections? How can we shift our collecting and interpretation strategies to ensure our programs and exhibitions represent the experiences of all visitors? Join curator Katherine Ott for a discussion of these issues and a look at collections from the National Museum of American History.
20 Tuesday, June 25th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Congressional Reception Rayburn Foyer, 1st Floor, Rayburn House Office Building Transportation will be provided from the hotel. If walking, it is a 20-25 minute walk from the Hilton. By metro take the L’Enfant Plaza to Capitol South. Enter the Rayburn Building on Independence Avenue SW.
Hosted by The Honorable Doris Matsui
#SmithsonianInSession | Tuesday, June 25th 21
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Deep Time at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (Limited to 40 participants) Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. for transportation to the museum. If you are walking, the museum is a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. If going by metro- from L’Enfant Plaza take the blue, silver or orange line to the Smithsonian metro station or Federal Triangle metro station. Tour will meet at the Constitution Avenue entrance.
Tour leader: Siobhan Starrs, Project Manager and Exhibition Developer, National Museum of Natural History On June 8, 2019, after a 5-year renovation, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) opened the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – Deep Time. Deep Time starts at the very beginning—4.6 billion years ago. But it ends in the future. During this tour, participants will see the exhibition before the museum opens to the public and receive an introduction to the exhibition from NMNH educators, collections, research, and exhibition staff. Guests will then be free to explore approximately 700 specimens, including the Nation’s T. rex, which is on loan from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and transferred from the Museum of the Rockies, a fellow Affiliate, and is one of the largest and most complete T. rex specimens ever discovered.
22 Wednesday, June 26th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. \
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Aira: Changing the Museum Experience for Blind or Low Vision Visitors (Limited to 20 participants) Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. for transportation to the museum. If you are walking, the museum is a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. If going by metro- from L’Enfant Plaza take the blue, silver or orange line to the Smithsonian metro station or Federal Triangle metro station. Tour will meet at the South Wing Staff Entrance on the corner of 12th Street NW and Madison Street NW.
Ashley Grady, Senior Program Specialist, Access Smithsonian Carrie Heflin, Program Manager, National Museum of American History Paul Schroeder, Vice President for Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Aira Beth Ziebarth, Director, Access Smithsonian Smithsonian visitors who are blind or have low vision can now navigate everything from individual objects to entire exhibitions through sighted agents by using Aira (Artificial Intelligence Remote Assistance), a groundbreaking technology that uses their smartphone cameras or special glasses to get free, on-demand verbal descriptions at the museum. With a touch of a button, visitors have instant access that helps them engage with the museum and increases their mobility and independence. Explore the America on the Move exhibition and experience Aira in person. Hear about its successes and challenges from the Access Smithsonian team and Aira representatives. Participants will use Aira to tour the exhibition alongside a blind or low vision visitor to fully experience the technology. Representatives from Aira will be on-hand to answer questions about bringing this technology to Affiliate communities.
#SmithsonianInSession | Wednesday, June 26th 23
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workshop: Anthropology Collections as Communities of Engagement (Limited to 20 participants) Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:45 a.m. for transportation to the workshop. Shuttle will depart the Museum Support Center at 12:30 p.m.
Smithsonian Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland Haley Bryant, Digitization Specialist, National Museum of Natural History Diana Marsh, Postdoctoral Fellow, National Anthropological Archives, National Museum of Natural History In this workshop-tour, participants will go behind-the-scenes in the Department of Anthropology collections and the National Anthropological Archives. Throughout the tour, participants will be introduced to a number of ongoing collaborative projects that aim to reach under-served communities using these collections. In the workshop, participants will be asked to brainstorm: How can we creatively think about broadening the definition of “access” to our collections and rethink what “impact” looks like beyond social media engagement and public program attendance? What communities do our institutions need to serve better? How do objects and archival collections/staff play a role? 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
What’s the Hook? How to Focus Your Exhibit Idea and Reel Visitors in (Limited to 25 participants) Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:45 a.m. for transportation to the workshop. Shuttle will depart Smithsonian Exhibits at 12:30 p.m.
Smithsonian Exhibits, 3400 Pennsy Drive, Landover, Maryland Brigid Laurie, Exhibit Developer/Writer, Smithsonian Exhibits John Powell, Exhibit Developer/Writer, Smithsonian Exhibits An exhibit’s “big idea” is what focuses your exhibition. The “hook” is that funny, interesting or poignant element that visitors connect to. This participatory workshop includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Smithsonian Exhibits facility and will help focus your exhibit ideas and find a hook to engage visitors. The first half of the workshop will focus on a hypothetical exhibit and address key messaging, critical questions to ask, and discovering your “hook.” The second half will apply the same exercise to actual exhibits the participants are planning. Participants will pair up and share their experiences with the wider group and leave the session with copies of Smithsonian Exhibits’ Guide to Exhibit Development. Participants should attend the workshop with an exhibit idea to work on. 24 Wednesday, June 26th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. \
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LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Objects Out of Storage: Collecting Women’s History at the National Museum of American History (Limited to 12 participants) Meet in the hotel lobby at 10:00 a.m. for transportation to the museum. If you are walking, the museum is a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. If going by metro- from L’Enfant Plaza take the blue, silver or orange line to the Smithsonian metro station or Federal Triangle metro station. Tour will meet at the visitor information desk, 2nd floor, National Mall entrance.
Tour leaders: Nancy Bercaw, Chair and Curator, Division of Political History, National Museum of American History Kathy Franz, Chair and Curator, Division of Work & Industry, National Museum of American History For decades, young women were told that girls were “made of sugar and spice and everything nice.” What we learn from studying the past is that many girls were made of stronger stuff. In fact, they changed history. On this tour, curators will share objects from the upcoming exhibition Girlhood (It’s Complicated), a project of the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative. Participants will hear the compelling and personal stories behind the objects and discuss the ways in which women’s history can be collected and exhibited. The tour is a companion to the Wednesday afternoon breakout session Through the Eyes of Girls: Fresh Perspectives on Women’s History, which will explore developing local programming around the central concepts in women’s history (1:30 – 2:30 p.m., L’Enfant Ballroom B). Girlhood (It’s Complicated) will open at the National Museum of American History in 2020. SITES will begin a national tour in 2022.
Lunch Break 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
McPherson, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall
Lunch is not provided. The L’Enfant Plaza food court is conveniently located one level below the hotel.
Tables will be available for attendees to gather for informal conversations. No formal programming will take place.
#SmithsonianInSession | Wednesday, June 26th 25
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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Through the Eyes of Girls: Fresh Perspectives on Women’s History L’Enfant Ballroom B, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Nancy Bercaw, Chair and Curator, Division of Political History, National Museum of American History Kathleen Franz, Chair and Curator, Division of Work & Industry, National Museum of American History Mireya Loza, Assistant Professor, New York University Megan Smith, Educator, National Museum of American History This session will use the landmark exhibition, Girlhood (It’s Complicated) to explore current conversations in women’s history and how they can resonate locally. We’ll use the exhibition to open dialog on how best to develop local programming around the central concepts in women’s history—making the personal political, making social change, valuing girls, and women’s contributions to culture. We’ll also tackle understanding gendered work and pay disparities through the eyes of girls, and above all, how to make these exhibition stories local through programming that draws in diverse audiences.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Maximizing Your Exhibit Investment: Recycle that Great Content! L’Enfant Ballroom A, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Jennifer Bottomly-O’looney, Senior Curator/Museum Manager, Montana Historical Society Jamie McCargo, Exhibit Design Curator, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Creating exhibits can be a costly enterprise and often for a limited timeframe. Two Affiliates explore ways you can maximize the impact of large or small exhibits beyond their original scope. Think long-term about investing in your exhibitions to develop traveling versions that can both extend an exhibition’s life and provide access to content in underserved communities. Hear how this idea began in North Carolina as an experiment to have great content recycled instead of destroyed. As a long standing exhibition strategy, learn how colleagues in Montana exceeded expectations in the museum and around the state through repurposing exhibitions. Speakers will share unexpected lessons learned and creative content adaptions for all kinds of spaces and budgets. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences, and to break into groups to troubleshoot each other’s projects.
26 Wednesday, June 26th | s.si.edu/2019program
AAM AAM CORE DOCUMENT \ EARTH OPTIMISM \ DIGITAL FIRST COMMUNITIES OF ENGAGEMENT \
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
AAM
LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP \ WOMENS’ HISTORY
Workshop: Collections Emergency Management L’Enfant Ballroom C, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Brian Abrams, Collections Manager, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Catharine Hawks, Conservator, National Museum of Natural History Rebecca Kaczkowski, Conservator, Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution Nora Lockshin, Paper Conservator, Smithsonian Institution Archives Cali Martin, Collections Manager, National Museum of the American Indian Melissa Miller, Intern, Smithsonian’s National Collections Program Samantha Snell, Collections Management Specialist, National Collections Program, Smithsonian Institution Katherine Wagner, Book Conservator, Smithsonian Institution Libraries The Preparedness and Response in Collections Emergencies (PRICE) team serves as the Smithsonian’s collections emergency support team. When activated in an emergency, PRICE provides collections support, response, and recovery. Participants will learn about the training opportunities that have been developed and implemented at the Smithsonian and share ideas and lessons learned before delving in to a hands-on workshop. Next, practice handling techniques for various collections materials in ideal (dry) and non-ideal (wet) conditions. Finally, take away best practices and learn resources available in times of an emergency.
#SmithsonianInSession | Wednesday, June 26th 27
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More than Funding: Meet the People Driving Advocacy, Excellence, Policy, and Professional Development
AAM
L’Enfant Ballroom D, Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall Amy Bartow-Melia, Associate Director of Audience Engagement, National Museum of American History and Chair, Accreditation Commission, American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Julie Hart, Senior Director, Museum Standards & Excellence, American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Toniqua Lindsay, Museum Specialist | Visual Arts, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Sandra Narva, Senior Museum Program Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Susan Zwerling, Museum Assessment Program (MAP) Officer, AAM National Endowment for the humanities (NEH) representative to be determined This special session will include representatives from AAM, IMLS, NEA, and NEH. Learn about AAM’s Accreditation and Excellence programs, including the 5 Core Documents; hear about current funding opportunities from IMLS, NEA, and NEH; and have faceto-face time with the agencies that support and advocate for museums every day.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Closing Reception 3 West, American Culture Wing, National Museum of American History Transportation will be provided from the hotel. If you are walking, the museum is a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. If going by metro- from L’Enfant Plaza take the blue, silver or orange line to the Smithsonian metro station or Federal Triangle metro station. Please enter the building through the National Mall entrance.
Remarks from Sue Fruchter, Deputy Director, National Museum of American History View objects out of storage, see the Ruby Slippers, a costume from The Handmaid’s Tale, and Tomas Edison’s phonograph in the Ray Dolby Gateway to American Culture exhibition. National Museum of American History curators will be available to answer questions and talk about the collection.
28 Wednesday, June 26th | s.si.edu/2019program
Smithsonian Affiliations extends a special thank you to the 2019 proposal selection committee: Elizabeth Bugbee, Communications and Professional Development Manager, Smithsonian Affiliations Tricia Edwards, Interim Associate Director, Smithsonian Affiliations Ann Fortescue, Executive Director, Springfield Museum of Art Laura Hansen, National Outreach Manager, Smithsonian Affiliations Christi Janssen, Executive Director, The Durham Museum Carrie C. Kotcho, A. James Clark Director of Education & Impact, Deputy Associate Director, Audience Engagement, National Museum of American History Alison Leithner, Senior Instructional Designer, Smithsonian Enterprises Ruth Anna Stolk, Founding Executive Director, Conservation Commons
Smithsonian Affiliations thanks the following for their generous support:
#SmithsonianInSession 29
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(Opens 2016)
across from the White House (Opens 2015)
ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM 1901 Fort Place, SE
Urban Bird Habitat
NATIONAL ZOO 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Virginia
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS ELSEWHERE AROUND THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA
L’Enfant Plaza
American Terraced Indian Gardens Landscape
THE NATIONAL MALL
To Hi lto n
Notes
#SmithsonianInSession 31
Smithsonian Institution 470 L’Enfant Plaze, SW, Suite 7400 Washington, DC 20024
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affiliations.si.edu 202.633.5300