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2013 CWAM Annual Meeting Scholarship Recipients
Museums DO Count, in More Ways Than One
By Sarah Trapp
For the last 3 years that I've been employed as the Marketing & Special Events Coordinator at the Wyoming Frontier Prison, the only staff member that has been able to attend conferences was Tina Hill, our Historic Site Director and fearless leader. When she mentioned the scholarship program for the 2013 CWAM Annual Meeting in Golden, I was excited to finally see for myself what these conferences were like. I knew there was going to be a lot to learn and a lot to enjoy in a fabulous community that I had never visited. Truth be told, it turned out to be an incredibly insightful light into the museum world for someone who works in a museum, loves to go to museums, but doesn't have any kind of background in museum studies or administration.
When I received word that I had been awarded a scholarship to attend, I was incredibly exited! I had already reviewed the sessions, and was looking forward to learning how I might be able to promote my museum more effectively. What I learned in several sessions, particularly Basic Survey Design for Program Evaluation, will be directly affecting how I write post tour surveys to tactfully acquire the information we need to put our best promotional foot forward. I was also particularly intrigued by Dr. Falk's workshop regarding Identity-Related Visitor Motivations. If we could get a really good handle on what types of people are coming to visit the Wyoming Frontier Prison and what types of experiences they are looking to have, we might have a better understanding of who our audience is, and how to reach them.
In the near future, I plan to put my new knowledge to work by redesigning the surveys that we present to visitors as they exit the guided tour. I also hope to learn more about the Falk Identity- Related Visitor Motivation Model, and apply it in my museum, to learn more about the types of experiences that our visitors are looking for. The 2013 CWAM Annual Conference has provided me with significant knowledge and new incite that will directly affect how I promote my museum in the future. I hope to be able to attend the 2014 Annual Meeting in Cody to continue to expand my professional knowledge!
The 2013 CWAM Conference
by Rita Herold
It was a privilege to attend your CWAM conference. All the workshops that I attended were well organized and presented.
After attending a session in every available time slot, my brain was spinning with information. When I came home and sifted through all that vast amount of material, several themes emerged. One of those ideas was the need to review and upgrade our organizations written goals and plans for our collection. Since that was one of the areas in which I was hoping to gain knowledge, I certainly benefited from the workshop Collection Guardianship: Preservation Policy Development. The presenters were very knowledgeable and I will definitely use some of the ideas for our collections; especially the points in preservation planning and the ideas for low cost preservation steps.
One theme was how evaluation can improve one's institution. Several sessions touched on this theme. The session, Help Wanted in Search for Right Evaluator, had many tips and hints from which our organization will benefit.
Another theme was the packaging and care of collections. Both The Exhibit Space: Practical Considerations While Getting Your Hands Dirty and Moving the Mountain Twice While Remaining Accountable: Packing and Moving the History Colorado Collections elaborated on this idea. Again I gleaned many usable solutions for packaging and storing collections.
Disseminating Summit County History: A Collaborative Effort worked with the theme of collaborating with entities other than just historical societies or museums, the library system, the city, and the universities. This idea was very encouraging, as our small rural historical society is working with several different organizations.
Everyone that I met was extremely helpful, both the presenters of the workshops and the attendees. The friendly atmosphere was rejuvenating.
One highlight of the conference was the Progressive Reception and getting to visit the different museums. Even though I am a Colorado native, I had never spent time in Golden. I will return.
Thank you for the CWAM scholarship that allowed me to attend this impressive conference.
CWAM Scholarship Article
by Rebecca Coon, Consulting Director, Loris Consulting & Technologies
Prior to the CWAM Meeting, my conference experience consisted of two fortunate trips to the American Alliance of Museums Annual Meetings during my tenure as a graduate student in Museum Studies. As I was just diving into my museum career, these conferences were certainly inspiring and valuable, but the size was a tad overwhelming and interacting with such nationally recognized professionals a bit intimidating.
I was struck by the welcoming atmosphere at the CWAM Meeting. The sessions, the myriad of social events, and the participatory evaluation methods being used by the Denver Evaluation Network contributed to this sense of invitation. I was constantly catching up with old friends and getting to know new ones.
The sessions offered engaging stories and practical knowledge. As I have just embarked on my path as a consultant, Help Wanted: In Search of the Right Evaluator was particularly insightful. Hearing perspectives from an independent evaluator and staff from three institutions with different evaluation stories, I gained new ideas about approaches, models, and good questions to keep in mind when establishing and maintaining consultant-client relationships. In Know Your Audience: How evaluation can improve the visitor experience, I was inspired to learn about the multi-year evaluation approach and findings related to Denver's Urban Advantage program, a program which involves diverse stakeholders to support science literacy among urban middle school students.
The CWAM Meeting helped me gain confidence and experience as a presenter, an enriched perspective about the region's smaller museums as well as their needs and innovations, and encouragement about venturing into independent consulting-I was even inspired to offer my consulting services during the silent auction. Thanks to the meeting, I am looking forward to continuing to build relationships with new professional colleagues!
CWAM Scholarship Article 2013
by Megan Huelman
Historic Textile Consultant
Material Heritage
This year I was able to attend my first CWAM Annual Meeting since moving to Colorado due to a much appreciated scholarship. The conference was invaluable in networking and learning more about the museums in the region. While I have attended many conferences that focus on research topics, the applicability of the presentations I saw in Golden, CO offered me an even greater knowledge base as I consult for museums in the area.
Despite the economy and swamped museum career market, I have loved history too long to give up on my dream job. This is why I started my own consulting business assisting local museums with curatorial, administrative and exhibition work. Joining the CWAM organization and attending the annual conference this year allowed me to converse with other museum professionals. From emerging professionals like myself to those who have been in the field much longer, I enjoyed amazing conversations that afforded a better understanding of where museum's stand in the Colorado and Wyoming market and gave me the motivation to continue doing what I love. I left the conference on Saturday feeling reinvigorated to soldier on and thankful for the chance to meet wonderful new mentors and friends.
My favorite presentations at this year's Annual Meeting were those that dealt with technological trends and advancing use of digital tools like Google Earth, social media and collections digitization. I firmly believe in the importance of using the new technology we have at hand to more efficiently disseminate research and information while also advancing the way we engage with techno-savvy museum visitors.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the committee that chose me as a scholarship recipient. The conference exceeded my expectations for learning, growing as a museum professional, and networking. I look forward to more CWAM activities and conferences in the future!
CWAM Scholarship Article 2013
by Maria CocchiarelliI attended the CWAM annual conference in Golden as a scholarship recipient. As co-founder of the Museum of Friends in Walsenburg, since 2007, I have worn many hats - curator, exhibition planner, fundraiser, grant writer, educational programmer, public relations and occasional caterer. MOF is located in a small community in South Central Colorado less than 4000 inhabitants, in Huerfano County. Once a thriving coal mining and commercial town it has faced continual decline in population and economic opportunity. When, my partner Brendt Berger, an artist from California proposed the creation of a museum from each of our personal collections of our friends' art, I was working as the curator for the Italian American Museum in New York. Although, intrigue by the notion of forming an "outside from the mainstream" museum, I realized the risks. I planned a trip to visit Walsenburg to see for myself. Six years later, MOF continues to present programs and exhibitions. In the first 3 years, MOF rented the 1st floor to a retail variety store, Duckwalls. As the economic downturn reached Walsenburg, 2009-2010, Duckwalls closed. MOF embarked on a new era. With no rent from the downstairs tenant, an opportunity to show case, the New Works Exhibition Gallery on the 1st floor was created. Five exhibitions later, we continue to struggle with funding, audience development, community and public relations, etc. I was thrilled when notified that I was one of this year's recipients and would be able to visit Golden and attend the conference. The workshops and collaborative evening socials were informative and helpful. I have made new friends, and now count on collegial advice and networking. An example is MOF will present the "Virtual Art Station: Titan" from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science due to Gianna Sullivan, one of the presenters. CWAM Scholarship Article 2013 by Wilmer Davis Jr
The experience of going to the CWAM/SRMA 2013 Annual Meeting in Golden, CO was unparalleled. As a new student to Museum Studies, I cannot overemphasize my recommendation to attend. I have learned so much in a short number of days. The experience encouraged me to continue pursuing my interest in museums. By assisting my museum's registrar and my museum studies teacher with their workshop and their session, I have seen my potential.
If you are reading this and wondering if you should go, or if you are worried about applying for a scholarship, don't think twice-apply right now. Book a hotel room. Pack your bags! Between the splendid museums, the outstanding speakers, the informative sessions, the hands-on workshops, the exciting events, and the generous people, I will be sure never to miss the conference in the future. I look forward to meeting you in Cody, WY in 2014!
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