The DCHS envisions the Watkins Museum of History as a leading partner in Douglas County’s efforts to cultivate a community of fairness, where our shared history is understood and valued as a catalyst for positive change, where inequalities are addressed, and where diverse perspectives are respected.
The Douglas County Historical Society’s (DCHS) strategic plan represents the priorities that motivate the activities and operations of the Watkins Museum of History in pursuit of the DCHS Vision and Mission. The strategic goals and their measures of success, some outward-focused on the community, some inward-focused on the organization, are interrelated, support each other, and work collectively to achieve an organization that facilitates:
The DCHS and Watkins Museum of History preserve and share Douglas County’s cultural heritage to inspire civic engagement and commitment to shaping a better future.
Stewardship
Integrity
Relevance
Inclusiveness and Accessibility
Innovation and Creativity
Professional Excellence
The full range of cultures, ethnicities, races, beliefs, and orientations that exist among the people of Douglas County are engaged
Interactions with the public are just, empathetic, fair, impartial, and safe.
Physical and intellectual barriers to participation are absent.
People feel welcome on their terms.
The foundation of the museum’s relationship with the community, the collections represent Douglas County’s diversity. They are always evolving to become more fully representative and are managed to ensure that the stories they preserve are available to the public.
Museum staff and DCHS leadership uphold diverse perspectives, recognize biases, promote transparency, are highly skilled, and celebrate accomplishments.
The Watkins Museum’s physical and technological infrastructure presents no physical barriers, facilitates public participation, and promotes sustainability.
Watkins Museum funding is stable, adequately supports operations, and grows to support future needs.
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Inward-focused
Outward-focused
The communities we serve feel a sense of belonging and are participants in a mutually responsive and beneficial relationship. Museum experiences provide audience value and foster lifelong engagement for diverse audiences of all ages.
The Watkins Museum utilizes different forms of communication to connect the public with Douglas County history, increase participation in museum activities, and sustain ongoing relationships.
The Watkins Museum increases appreciation for the value of local heritage and is recognized as a cultural anchor in the community and a leader in the museum field.
An organizational priority
The museum’s physical and technological infrastructure
The range of people the museum serves (local, regional, national, onsite, online)
The groups of people that make up our local audience
These terms are concepts that are central to our operations:
The municipal areas we serve
The museum’s efforts to minimize negative impact on the environment
The museum’s role as a key cultural destination for Lawrence/Douglas County residents and visitors, integral to the cultural fabric of the community
