1-888-264-2688

 

 Space is limited to only 60 so please register early.

 

 

                             Jim McCreight, MTA President

There has been a lot going on at the Weir Farm National Historic Site these past few years. The Weir House and other buildings on the property are currently heading into phase two of a four part restoration. The Artist-in-Residence studio's renovations at the farm are now completed and a joyous reception was held last week to celebrate its opening.

 

Superintendent Linda Cook also presented a Certificate of Honor to Land Use Attorney Charlie Janson, an MTA Board member, for his involvement with the project. Janson, who frequents Weir Farm with his family, is also a board member. 
"I represented the Weir Farm Trust, now known as the Weir Farm Art Center, on a pro-bono basis, when the Nature Conservancy of Connecticut deeded the Weir Preserve to the Weir Farm Trust," said Janson.  

 

The AIR program has been in existence since 1998 and has housed 135 artists to date. With grant money and ten years of fundraising endeavors, added together with government stimulus money, the studio was finally able to start taking a physical shape.
 
 

 

MTA recently received an email from Bob Eastin, Chair of the Transport Museum Association Nominating and Board Development Committee in St. Louis commenting on his use of the MTA guidebook and software Building Museum Boards. Bob said,
 
"As you know, I've been using Building Better Boards during the last several years to upgrade our credentials and to staff our Board.  What was about 11 Trustees of the 18 authorized by the TMA Bylaws is now 17 Trustees plus one chair for the use of the current TMA President at his discretion.  Attending the Boston MTA Meeting ( in 2001) started this process for me, and for us, actually, and I've been able to gain Board support in recent years for the importance of recognizing MTA professional guidelines that, selectively, we feel are important for our growing professionalism in governance of the organization and service to the public."
 
We are always pleased to hear from museum boards about how they have used our guidebook. Building your board is one of the most important responsibilities your board and its Governance or Nominating Committee undertakes.
 
Over the years MTA has learned several lessons from our members about how to build an effective board. Some of the ideas detailed in our Guidebook and software program are:
 
1.      Board building is not a seasonal activity starting a few months before the annual meeting. It is an ongoing process that lasts all year long.
2.      Recruitment of new board members requires input from a large group of individuals not just from a few "well-connected" board members. Find new leadership by seeking input from a wide spectrum of individuals.
3.      The year-round process of finding new board members helps you identify the skills and experience needed on the board, find prospects, introduce them to the museum, get their commitment, welcome and orient them.
4.      The Governance Committee takes the lead in identifying board needs and initiates a discussion with the full board and others in the community, drawing suggestions from as many sources as possible.
5.      Building a board requires clear and specific goals based on an understanding of your museum's current situation and a vision of its future. As boards thinks more strategically about nominations ,  recruitment, and orientation, they will spend more time planning for board development.
6.      Orientation of new board members isn't just a one or two month process. Orientation is an ongoing process that begins with the orientation session and continues throughout the year in relationships with mentors, appropriate board assignments, and ongoing board education.
7.      Board development is not just for the new trustees. Most board members are eager for opportunities to add to their skills and renew their commitment to the museum.
8.      The sooner new board members can get involved in appropriate assignments and ongoing board activities, the better.
 
Our Building Museum Boards Guidebook and software program is in its second edition after selling out the first edition. The software lets you print out several templates that guide board development activities. It is available for just $50 for MTA members, $60 for AAM members, and $75 for non-members. If you are interested in a copy please email: president@mta-hq.org or call 1-888-264-2688

 
In addition to continuing your museums membership in the Musteum Trustee Association, as an individual Trustee or Director, YOU can assist MTA by:

 

Joining MTA as a Patron ($1,000 or more per year) - receive special event invitations to private collection tours, behind the scenes museum tours, and special dinners with other patrons and trustees.

Become a sponsor - your company can become a sponsor and receive special benefits and reach over 5,000 museum decision makers. For a list of MTA sponsorship opportunities contact us at president@mta-hq.org.