Angela,

My interest in your message below is somewhat different from the query
you raised.  I currently work for an organization (Historic Annapolis
Foundation) that is trying to reinvent itself from being a preservation
organization to being a museum and education organization.  As I think
is somewhat normal, this transition is a bit bumpy.  I am wondering what
the experience has been like at Hillwood Museum and Gardens.  Have you
had a large turnover in your staff?  I find it fascinating that your
Museum Store has been placed in your Interpretation Division.  Have
their been other changes in the Divisions?  If so, how have these been
received?  I'd also be interested to know what Hillwood's image was
before, and what it has been trying to become.


Has anyone else out there gone through a similar experience?


Thanks for any information you can provide!

Alecia Parker
Research and Interpretation Coordinator
[log in to unmask]



**Apologies for any cross postings**

For the past two years Hillwood Museum & Gardens has been undergoing an
extensive renovation of its physical plant.  During that time we have
also
been reinventing our image, undertaking administrative reorganization
and
revising the museum's interpretive message.  As part of that revision,
the
Museum Shop has been placed in the Interpretation Division.  The Shop is
now
being reinvented with a strong interpretive message to create a seamless
visitor experience throughout Hillwood.

We are writing to you, our fellow museum professionals, to inquire if
any of
you have experienced a similar shift in philosophy regarding your museum
shop.  Is the shop regarded as an extension of your interpretation
effort?
Does your museum shop express your interpretive messages and if so,
how?  We
are very interested in starting a dialogue on this subject.

Lauren Chapin
Director of Merchandising
[log in to unmask]


Angela Roberts
Interpretation Coordinator
Hillwood Museum & Gardens
Washington, DC

www.hillwoodmuseum.org

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