Sustainability, Relevance and the Future - Day 2 - Opening Plenary - Am I in a Rut? Inspiration from Creative Historic House Interpretation

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Representatives from historic sites in Massachusetts, Louisiana, and England will share creative ways they have tried to engage with visitors on different levels than a typical tour. Be prepared to be inspired by their creativity and steal some ideas!

Ken Turino (Moderator)

Manager of Community Partnerships and Resource Development, Historic New England

Ken Turino is Manager of Community Partnerships and Resource Development at Historic New England and on the faculty of Tufts University in the Museum Studies Department where he teaches courses on Exhibition Planning and Historic House Museums. Ken is a curator, educator, director, producer, and author. His films were shown on PBS including the prize winning, “Back to School: Lessons from Norwich's (VT) One-Room Schoolhouses.” Ken numerous public history articles include many with a focus on interpreting historic sites and on LGBTQ+ history. Ken’s most recent publication’s include “Creating Artist-in-Residence Programs at Historic Sites” AASLH Technical Leaflet #299 with Rebecca Beit-Aharon published in 2022 and with Max van Balgooy, Reinventing the Historic House Museum, New Approaches and Proven Solutions, editors, for Rowman & Littlefield in 2019. With Max van Balgooy he is currently working on a book on Interpreting Christmas and winter holidays at historic sites and museums.

For AASLH, Ken and Max van Balgooy teach a workshop “Reinventing the Historic House Museum.” Ken frequently consults on interpretive planning and community engagement projects at historic sites. These include Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee, James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, Virginia, and Trent House in Trenton, New Jersey. Ken holds an MAT from George Washington University. He was awarded an Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from Salem State University in 2008. Currently, Ken is President of the House of Seven Gables Settlement Association in Salem, Massachusetts.

Chris Danemayer

Principal, Proun Exhibit Design, Sommerville, MA

David Hopes

Head of Leeds Museums and Galleries Leeds City Council, University of Birmingham, Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Karen Leathem

Museum Historian, Louisiana State Museum, Madame John’s House, New Orleans, LA

Barbara Silberman

Director, Special Projects, The Forbes House, Milton, MA

How to Register for this Event

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

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