Why interrupt regularly scheduled programming to blog a new year’s message? There are three reasons that come to mind:

1. To note a hiatus in posting.

The next new Museum Questions post will be on January 5, 2015. In the meantime, if you need something to read, here are a few older posts that you may have missed:

The Moth: A student perspective on field trips

What do we talk about when we talk about art?

Arts Education Elevator Speech

Norman Rockwell, Vacation’s Over

2. To share news and updates.

Museum Questions update: There are two more guests posts in the Schools and Museums series, to be posted the week of January 5th. After that, look for a few analysis posts wrapping up this series. Then posts will likely slow to bi-weekly for a while. But in a few months, look for a new extended exploration – likely on evaluation, gathering feedback, and what makes information useful.

My own update: Beginning on January 5, 2015, I am taking on a new role: Director of the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. This museum will open to the public in June 2015. I look forward to exploring questions related to opening a new museum, and to children’s museums more generally, on Museum Questions. (How do you create a culture of access and equity in a new museum? How can we measure success in ways other than visitor numbers and income? What is the role of parents in a children’s museum? What do we mean by play?)

Drawing of an exhibit planned for the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum.

3. To wish everyone a Happy New Year, and best wishes for a wonderful 2015!