Insights from the Texas Association of Museums Conference
Howdy! If you missed the latest Texas Association of Museums conference in Lubbock, TX, —I've got the inside scoop just for you.
A Tip of My Hat 🤠
The team at TAM did an amazing job putting on this conference. With events throughout the city, I was finally introduced in person to the Science Spectrum, Silent Wings Museum, Museum of Texas Tech, the National Ranching Heritage Center, and the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts. I’ll see you next year for TAM 2025 in Austin, TX.
Timing is Everything
Did the fire alarm go off during the “Dial “D” For Disaster” session? Yes. For a second, did we think it was part of an immersive training disaster training session? Again, yes. The team at The Museum of Texas Tech University handled everything wonderfully after a malfunctioning elevator. Lesson #1? An emergency can happen in a split second. Have training and manuals that lay out your emergency plan. Lesson #2? Share the amazing work TX-CERA is doing in helping institutions in case of emergency. Join TX-CERA here.
Embracing Diversity
Diversity has been a controversial word in Texas. I don’t buy it. From partnerships to staff, store products to programming, embracing diversity isn't just a buzzword—it's a blueprint for success in our mission to serve the community.
The poignant film screening of "Rising: The Hall of Negro Life," chronicling the 1936 Texas Centennial at Fair Park, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of diverse narratives in our cultural institutions. Taking place near my own home, I knew a bit of this story but this film put the beauty and bittersweet loss of this historic hall into perspective. Do yourself a favor and learn more here.
Kheli Willetts from Dira Professional Development illuminated the path to diversifying audiences and your staff while fostering community connections. Reminding us that partnership begins with genuine engagement and not “outreach”. Some practical advice you can put into place right now: Take a look at your job descriptions and be honest with what is a requirement and what is preferred. This will open your positions up to more applicants and create realistic descriptions that match the job at hand.
Community Collaboration
While museums may boast expertise, communities hold the keys to their histories and traditions. They are the experts in their communities.
The work of The Bullock Texas State History Museum with the Director of Cultural Preservation Rick Quezada wove a history of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in two digital media projects. With a shared 50/50 Intellectual Property (IP) structure, it is a testament to what collaboration should strive towards. See a video here.
Speaking of community, I dropped by the Charles Adam Studio Project and purchased a hand-signed print by a local artist featuring a lyric by a little group called Destiny’s Child. It’s unique items like this that I love adding to my collection. One part Lubbock, one part Texas, and a whole lot of creativity.
Tech Trends
Finding the sweet spot for tech in your museum (and budget) can help drive your museum’s future impact and engagement.
Point of Sale (POS) and Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) systems are now a must-have in museums. They can optimize your processes and make room for your team to do what they do best. On the other hand, the wrong systems can leave your team frustrated and your budget depleted. Need help? Schedule a Discovery Call!
The interactive exhibitions showcased at TAM, leveraged AI and multimedia tools to bridge past narratives with contemporary audiences. They were compelling and drew us in (we just had to interact and ask the silliest questions we could dream up). They also sparked conversations about the evolving role of technology in storytelling and how it could be utilized in museums of all sizes.
The Power of Partnerships
Museums aren't solitary islands, though it can certainly feel that way. It was great to see old friends and colleagues, like Alfred Walker of The Projects Group whom I’ve known for over a decade (going back to my Amon Carter days!). TAM showcased inspiring collaborations and brought together everyone from grad students, to curators, executive directors, and consultants. Here we were not just museum professionals, we were museum fans (And yes, I even saw a classic Museum Nerd shirt). I’m looking forward to working with the new friends and connections I made!
In the Preserving the Past, Ensuring the Future: Exploring the Relevancy and Sustainability of Historic Sites and Houses Workshop, The Summerlee Commission on the Financial Sustainability of History Organizations got a bit of an update. Some institutions that partnered on the original 2015 report shared what’s worked, what hasn’t worked, and what sights they have set for the future. Information that can help others ensure their institutions are sustainable for the long haul, like including a robust plan for earned revenue and local taxes.
So there you have it—a peek into the Texas Association of Museums conference. Whether you're a seasoned museum professional or a new grad student, remember that the art of learning never ends.