Strategic Plan Summary

MISSION VISION 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.

STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY 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: Approved 9.27.2022

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.

VALUES Stewardship Integrity Relevance Inclusiveness and Accessibility Innovation and Creativity Professional Excellence

DIVERSITY The full range of cultures, ethnicities, races, beliefs, and orientations that exist among the people of Douglas County are engaged

EQUITY Interactions with the public are just, empathetic, fair, impartial, and safe.

ACCESSIBILITY Physical and intellectual barriers to participation are absent.

INCLUSION People feel welcome on their terms.

STRATEGIC GOALS COLLECTIONS 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.

COMPETENCIES Museum staff and DCHS leadership uphold diverse perspectives, recognize biases, promote transparency, are highly skilled, and celebrate accomplishments.

FACILITIES The Watkins Museum’s physical and technological infrastructure presents no physical barriers, facilitates public participation, and promotes sustainability.

FINANCIAL SECURITY Watkins Museum funding is stable, adequately supports operations, and grows to support future needs.

Approved 9.27.2022

Inward-focused Outward-focused

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 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.

COMMUNICATIONS 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.

LEADERSHIP 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.

DEFINITIONS STRATEGIC GOAL An organizational priority

FACILITIES The museum’s physical and technological infrastructure

AUDIENCES The range of people the museum serves (local, regional, national, onsite, online)

COMMUNITIES The groups of people that make up our local audience

These terms are concepts that are central to our operations:

COUNTY/CITY The municipal areas we serve

SUSTAINABILITY The museum’s efforts to minimize negative impact on the environment

CULTURAL ANCHOR The museum’s role as a key cultural destination for Lawrence/Douglas County residents and visitors, integral to the cultural fabric of the community