I often think about how goals are, or should be, powerful guides in museum work, in particular in program design and refinement. But lately I have been thinking differently about goals, and about how the wrong goals can corrupt the work we do. In particular, I am thinking about this in the context of jobs whereContinue reading “How do you celebrate the program and not the check?”
Author Archives: Rebecca Shulman
How do you create a team with a shared vision? Interview with Amy Hayes
Amy Hayes is the women’s softball coach at Bradley University, where she has lead her team to two championships in the last seven years. Her student-athletes have been recognized for every Bradley Athletic Department Award – 11 honorees in the last 7 years. I have been thinking lately about how a museum director or department headContinue reading “How do you create a team with a shared vision? Interview with Amy Hayes”
AmeriCorps Fellowship: Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
How can a museum truly be “for everyone”? What do strong community partnerships look like, and how far can they be expanded to support museums, community partners, and the people we serve? Think through these questions as the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum! And please share this information with strong candidatesContinue reading “AmeriCorps Fellowship: Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum”
What is a “good” science demonstration?
Recently I saw a video of a science demonstration in a children’s museum, and found myself wondering if the children were learning anything. What is the purpose of science demonstrations in museums? And what makes them effective at achieving whatever purpose we assign to them? To address this question I experimented with a first forContinue reading “What is a “good” science demonstration?”
What are your Museum Questions?
As the end of 2015 approaches, I am wondering: What compelling questions need to be explored in 2016? Please share your ideas, either in the comments section, via social media, or by email. (See the About page for how to reach me by email or on twitter.) Here are a few things I am thinking about asContinue reading “What are your Museum Questions?”
Should Museums Celebrate the Holiday Season?
A few weeks ago, I walked into the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum to find floor staff creating a clever string of “lights” made of construction paper and cardboard tubes. They wanted to hang it from our tree – a big, fake oak tree that sits just inside our lobby, and is one of the first thingsContinue reading “Should Museums Celebrate the Holiday Season?”
What do Stories do? Act II: This American Life’s “Put a Bow on It”
In two recent posts I explored the role of storytelling in museums, and particularly in museum exhibitions. In Should Exhibits Tell Stories I questioned whether storytelling provokes the response museums hope for from visitors. A few weeks later, in What do Stories do?, I interviewed cognitive psychologist Lane Beckes, who discussed the psychological impact of storytelling andContinue reading “What do Stories do? Act II: This American Life’s “Put a Bow on It””
What happens when parents join their kids in play, exploration and museum conversation?
This week’s post is by Amanda Nobis, a junior at Bradley University, and the first Research Intern at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum. This summer I had the opportunity to help form a collaborative relationship between the Bradley University Psychology Department and the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum. I was invited to join the staff ofContinue reading “What happens when parents join their kids in play, exploration and museum conversation?”
What role do museums play in a small city? Interview with Patrick Urich
Patrick Urich is the City Manager of Peoria, Illinois. As City Manager, he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the City of Peoria, including the budget and all city departments and employees. What role do museums play in Peoria? Museums provide cultural vitality to a community of our size. They provide an experienceContinue reading “What role do museums play in a small city? Interview with Patrick Urich”
How do museums in small cities gain and wield soft power? Interview with Ngaire Blankenberg
Ngaire Blankenberg is Director, Europe and Principal Consultant at Lord Cultural Resources, where she has worked for the past eight years. Lord Cultural Resources is one of the largest consultancies specializing in museums and urban cultural planning. Ngaire is the co-editor of the book Cities, Museums and Soft Power. Can you define “Soft Power” forContinue reading “How do museums in small cities gain and wield soft power? Interview with Ngaire Blankenberg”
Museum Questions 