In this article, Phyllis Rabineau, Vice President for Interpretation and Education at the Chicago History Museum, explores the tensions that are unique to history exhibitions. Rabineau shares highlights from conversations with Chicago History Museum colleagues, who have been in the field for 10 years or longer.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Phyllis Rabineau
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Eugene Dillenburg, an Exhibit Developer at The Science Museum of Minnesota, shares a collection of stories from colleagues about their experiences in the museum field. The stories relate to defining moments in their career paths including how they began in the museum field, early experiences, witnessing the impact of their work, dealing with controversy, powerful interactions with objects, and career mobility and shifts.
In this article, Joyce Cheney, independent exhibit developer and curator of HELP's Apron Strings exhibit, and Edana McSweeney, co-director of the Hands-on Experiential Learning Project (HELP), describes how the project, created by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), provides customized, on-site training to institutions without disrupting daily museum operations or community access. The authors also describe the impact of HELP on a small institution--The Depot Museum--in Henderson, Texas.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Joyce CheneyEdana McSweeney
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Jeff Hayward, Director of People, Places & Design Research, defines the role of museum evaluators by explaining what they do, who they do it for and why, the skills they have, and how they see themselves in relation to other exhibit-related professionals. With input from colleagues, Hayward also describes issues associated with the profession, like the question of credentialing and the role of evaluators in the exhibit planning process.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Jeff Hayward
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Cliff Abrams, principal of Abrams Associates Design, LLC, shares his frustrating experience with the RFP process. Abrams argues for much simpler, more honest approach.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Cliff Abrams
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, James Sims, principal of Threshold Studios, explains the work and value of exhibit designers. In particular, Sims focuses on an exhibit designer's expertise and practice.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
James Sims
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Dottie Miles, Exhibition Manager at Longwood Gardens and Lecturer at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, explores the lessons learned from the collaborative and creative approaches of museum studies programs that might enrich the practice of museum professionals. Miles compares her experience as a graduate student in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design to that as a working professional. Miles concludes that the elements of critique and collaboration, which are mainstays of the graduate experience, should be important elements of the field at large.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Dottie Miles
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
This article presents examples of practical strategies for developing a positive and productive working relationship between museum clients and outside design firms contracted to develop exhibits. Authors include Donna R. Braden, Lead Experience Developer at The Henry Ford, Joseph Hines, Owner and Principal/Designer of Project Arts & Ideas, and Sharon Klotz, Director of Exhibitions at the Brooklyn Children's Museum.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Donna BradenJoseph HinesSharon Klotz
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Barbara Berry, student in Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University, provides a "RFP: Go or No Go?" checklist as a tool to stimulate a discussion amongst museum staff about whether to respond to an RFP. Berry outlines the steps to take to evaluate an RFP and tips for crafting responses and moving forward.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Barbara Berry
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Barbara Punt, Principal of Punt Consulting, outlines ways to write effective Request For Proposals. Punt emphasizes the importance of clearly conveying your request and considering the respondents' point of view.
DATE:
TEAM MEMBERS:
Barbara Punt
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this article, Eugene Dillenburg, an Exhibit Developer at The Science Museum of Minnesota, examines the relationship between the exhibit profession and professional training. Dillenberg surveyed exhibit workers--department chairs, commercial contractors, museum studies professors, and program graduates--to better understand the influence of museum studies on exhibit practice.
In this article, Dan Bartlett, Curator of Exhibits at Midway Village & Museum Center, explores his experience preparing RFPs (Request for Proposals). Bartlett describes a "rational, formal process" that can guide others as they plan, prepare, and distribute RFPs.