New Ways to Engage

Is culture getting cooler? It seems that museums are always searching for new ways to engage new audiences, keep regular visitors coming back for more, and more generally, finding means for the institution to stay fresh and cutting edge. I just came across an article and an opportunity I thought I would share...

First, this article, which profiles institutions across the country (and beyond) who are introducing innovative programming to shake their stuffy, "ivory tower" reputations. I think some of these offerings sound great - but I'm always trying to think of ways for history museums and related organizations to adapt this strategy...surely innovative programs don't just spring from art museums, right? If you know about/have experienced cool programs going on in Columbia or beyond, post a comment below!

Second, an opportunity! Nina Simon, a museum consultant who specializes in visitor engagement (and is always giving great talks & posting great blog entries) is doing a presentation for Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History on May 18th called "The Multi-Platform Museum." You can watch this presentation online here @ 3PM on the 18th. To read more about the talk (to find out what you're in for) check out her blog Museum 2.0

Post by Jan Levinson, Public History Alum '08