Description

The one-day workshop, Reimagining the Historic House Museum includes an analysis of the most important opportunities and threats facing historic sites in America based on the latest social and economic research, with a discussion on how they may relate to the participants’ house museum. We share a series of field-tested tools and techniques drawn from such wide-ranging sources as non-profit management, business strategy, and software development. Drawing from innovative organizations, we profile historic sites that are using new models to engage with their communities to become more relevant, are adopting creative forms of interpretation and programming, and earning income to become more financially sustainable. A key component of the workshop is a facilitated brainstorming session to reinvent an event or program. Working with an actual house museum not only puts theory into practice but demonstrates the value of multiple perspectives for analysis.

Why should I attend?

Historic house museums face a wide range of challenges in today’s continually changing environment. Traditional methods no longer seem to be as successful but new approaches seem uncertain or risky.  By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to analyze their operations, programs, and events to make better informed decisions, learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques that can be applied to a wide range of activities at museums big and small, identify ways to make their house museum more distinctive and relevant, and feel more confident to try new and different approaches.

Topics include:

• Recognizing the Myriad Challenges Facing House Museums Today
• Conducting a Holistic Assessment of Your House Museum’s Public Programs
• Analyzing the Five Forces that Affect Public Programs and Events
• House Museums That Are Successfully Reinventing Themselves
• Discovering Your House Museum’s Unique Value and Distinctiveness

Details

SESSION DATE: Thursday, June 22, 2023

LOCATION: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

COST: $200 AASLH Members / $325 Nonmembers 

EARLYBIRD RATE: $150 AASLH Members / $275 Nonmembers; Must register by April 24, 2023 to receive the Early-Bird rate. 

OPEN REGISTRATION: October 10, 2022 - May 22, 2023; 35 participant limit. Workshops typically fill up before the registration deadline, so register early.

Logistics

FORMAT: In-person, group workshop

LENGTH: One day (8:30 am - 5:00 pm)

MATERIALS: Workshop materials will be provided upon registration and in-person at the event.

CREDIT: Registrants that attend and participate in the full day of the workshop will earn a Certificate of Completion from AASLH.

Who Should Attend This Workshop

Board members, staff, and volunteers who manage house museums and historic sites or who develop public programs and events. This workshop is designed for organizations large and small who are seeking to increase the impact and sustainability of their house museum, as well as for paid or volunteer staff who want to expand their professional skills.

Participant Feedback

This workshop has been incredibly helpful to the host sites, who serve as the case study for the brainstorming session:

“Reinventing the Historic House Museum sparked many great ideas on how we can use our historic homes in dynamic, innovative ways. Since attending the workshop, we have implemented many changes, including a new self-guided tour with interactive elements that have increased our attendance and engaged the public in brand new ways.”

Sarah Bader-King, Director of Public Programming & Events,
Wornall/Majors House Museums, Kansas City, Missouri

“Reinventing the Historic House Museum helped us visualize how the Margaret Mitchell House could connect with the community around us. While the site was very popular with tourists, we were hidden in plain sight from our own community. Our goal was to discuss the challenges we faced and to pursue practical solutions. The workshop allowed us to collaborate with area professionals and hear from colleagues facing similar challenges. We left the workshop with good ideas and a commitment to reimagine our site. As a result of that work we have increased visibility in the community, created programming relevant to the neighborhood, and are partnering with area organizations to become a community resource and connector.”

Jessica Van Landuyt, Director of 20th Century Houses,
Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Georgia

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.