Authentic Voice/Authentic Experience
Museums influence who we are and how we see ourselves. In the midst of a severely polarized nation, museums are among our greatest assets in supporting democracy, showcasing identity, and promoting equality. Museum professionals provide opportunities for meaningful experiences, accurate habitats, honest debates, and first-person stories. Museums are places where people can have difficult discussions and fearlessly address past problems. They can be places of tranquility and joy that celebrate our creativity and innovation and at the same time teach us of the dark conflicts that have defined us.
As we approach the America 250 commemorations in 2026, how do we make museums more equitable and tell a full, complete and inclusive history of our country? Turning a critical lens inward, how do we change past, outdated policies? How do we create active, relevant, decolonized collections? How do we become more community oriented? How do we authentically share the difficult stories as well as the joy? What models can we share that make museums more equitable places to work? Join us for round tables, panels, workshops and tours that focus on projects both completed and in-progress as we explore our journey together.
Download the 2023 Final Program here.
