There’s lots of talk of reaching out to new audiences
these days – especially young adults. I’m wondering what’s
being tried out there to reach not just young adults, but any audience that
might not think a museum visit or program is something to spend their time or
money on.
Does your institution take steps to go beyond “preaching
to the choir” – reaching the audiences that already appreciate the
value of your programs, events and exhibits? In my situation, that would
be people who “love old houses” or are “history fans.”
What have you seen or heard of -either at your place
or other institutions - doing to reach outside the box, to reach
audiences that did not know they would benefit from interacting with the
museum.
Did it work? Did it only work for the special program or
outreach activity – or did it result in new “converts?”
I’d also like to know whether it resulted in changes for
your staff or administration – did they see the value of the new
audiences, or was there resistance?
Cindy Boyer
Director of Museums and Education
The Landmark Society of Western New York
133 S. Fitzhugh St.
Rochester NY 14608
(585) 546-7029 ext. 12
The Landmark Society: Revitalizing Yesterday, Protecting
Today, and Planning for Tomorrow
From: Museum discussion
list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Max van Balgooy
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] NTHS Blog Highlights for June 2009
At
James Madison’s Montpelier, a National Trust
Historic Site in Virginia, the Museum Educators wear short-sleeve button-front
khaki shirts with an embroidered logo above the pocket. They also wear
plastic name badges that are attached with a strong magnet. It’s a nifty
solution for situations where the typical name badges with pins can damage
clothing, such as a silk blouse or a fine cotton shirt. Learn more.
We’re
all exploring how social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter) can
advance our mission and goals, so I’ve compiled the five most relevant
comments, observations, and recommendations for historic sites from Blog Potomac (a national
conclave in DC for leaders in the field). Learn more.
Thanks
to funding from the Ford Foundation, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation will be offering Partnership-in-Scholarship Grants to support
collaborative projects between African American Historic Places and college/university
scholars. This year, four grants of $15,000 each (no match required) will
be awarded in fall 2009 to projects that help sustain current or attract new
audiences at historic sites or enhance the interpretation of challenging topics
at historic sites. Learn more.
Beginning
July 2009 the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust will introduce an expanded
selection of guest experiences for visitors to Wright’s Robie House, a National Trust
Historic Site. The new experiences are open to the public and will encourage a
more personal connection with the site, allowing guests options to direct their
interaction with the Robie House, providing expanded access, and offering opportunities
for deeper engagement with Wright’s icon of modern design. Learn more.
“A
first-rate Lexington builder, Asa Wilgus, is believed to comprise been the
distinct architect who implemented Latrobe’s intent, although the Popes
most certainly slenderize altered the consequence. (The other two are The
Decatur House in Washington D.C.)” What does this gibberish mean if
you’re Decatur House? Learn more.
Love a mystery? Check out this cryptic fence at James Madison's Montpelier.
Max A. van Balgooy
Director of Interpretation and Education, Historic Sites Department
| Director, African American Historic Places Initiative
National Trust for Historic Preservation | 1785
Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone (202) 588-6242 | [log in to unmask]
Have you visited one of our historic sites? You'll discover
great architecture, extraordinary collections, and unforgettable
experiences. Begin your explorations at PreservationNation.org.
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