TAKING STEPS TOGETHER: EXPLORING HOW REGIONAL GROUPS OF SMALL MUSEUMS CAN WORK TOGETHER ON DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH AND SUSTAINABILITY

With Bethany Hawkins, Cliff McCarthy, Dennis D. Picard, and Katherine Stevens

A group of small and mid-sized history organizations in the Pioneer Valley History Network (PVHN) built on the Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations (STEPS) developed by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) to assess their organizations’ policies and practices, identify strengths, and plan for improvements. Doing it together seemed to have worked well. Inspired by that project, this 2-hour, hands-on workshop includes self-assessment activities to assess your organization against STEPS audience standards. In addition, we will brainstorm and network possible collaborations, resources, and funding sources when forming a STEPs cohort. Representatives from PVHN and AASLH will provide context and case study examples to guide participant engagement. Participants will leave the workshop with the connections and tools to form and/or join a regional STEPS effort.

Admittance to this event is included in the 2021 Mass History Conference registration fee. If you did not register for the Mass History Conference, you can register here for $5.

Questions? Contact registration@masshistoryalliance.org.