Thursday
22 JanMaryland Museums Association Launches Statewide Economic Impact Study and Survey of Maryland Museums
| Study will measure the economic, workforce, and community impact of museums across all regions of Maryland |
| The Maryland Museums Association (MMA) has announced the launch of a comprehensive, statewide economic impact study to measure how museums contribute to Maryland’s economy, workforce, tourism industry, and quality of life. The study is being conducted in partnership with Parker Strategy Group, a national research and economic analysis firm. Funding was secured by MMA for this study from Preservation Maryland and the Maryland Heritage Area Program. As a central component of the study, MMA is inviting museums across Maryland to participate in open listening sessions as well as a short, standardized survey designed to capture essential data on operations, employment, visitors, and community engagement. The results will form the foundation of the most up-to-date, data-driven picture of Maryland’s museum sector. “Museums are deeply rooted in their communities where museum workers serve as educators, ambassadors, and placekeepers,” said Meagan Baco, Board Chair of the Maryland Museums Association. “Museums are places where neighbors and visitors connect over artifacts and stories that deepen human cultural understanding. This study gives us a chance to show just how much museums matter to Maryland, both socially and economically.” A Statewide Snapshot of Impact The economic impact study will quantify museums’ contributions at the statewide, regional, and county levels, including:Jobs supported and sustained throughout the economyWages and labor income generatedVisitor-driven economic activityLocal and state tax revenuesWorkforce and volunteer trendsThe analysis will be supported by IMPLAN, a nationally recognized economic modeling system used by economists and public agencies across the country. Why This Study Matters Now Previous national and statewide research has shown that museums are powerful economic engines, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic activity. However, there has not been a museum-specific impact report in Maryland in recent memory. This study will expand that understanding, providing Maryland-specific insights that can be used to: – Support funding and advocacy efforts – Inform tourism and workforce strategies -Strengthen partnerships with state and local leaders – Elevate the visibility of museums’ role in community life “Museums are more than destinations—they are employers, educators, and keepers of the stories that define our communities,” said Kyle McMillen, Chief Strategy Officer of Parker Strategy Group. “They generate real economic activity, but they also create a sense of place, connect generations, and preserve what makes each Maryland community unique.” Final results will be released in Spring 2026 through a publicly accessible report and presentation. Upcoming Public Meetings Each 1.5 hour meeting will include a brief presentation by Parker Strategy Group about existing impact data and early survey results, followed by a facilitated discussion to bring to light the impact and needs of Maryland’s museums. All are welcome to attend. RSVP appreciated but not required. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 2PM-3:30PM Sotterley Plantation – Interpretive Center 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636 Optional RSVP Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 2:15PM-3:45PM Central Library – Poe Room 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Optional RSVP Thursday, February 5, 2026, 10AM-11:30AM The Delaplaine Arts Center40 S Carroll Street, Frederick, MD 21701 Optional RSVP Standardized Statewide Online Survey MMA has contracted Parker Strategy Group to conduct an economic impact analysis of museums in Maryland of which a central component is a Museum industry survey. This data will be instrumental in telling the story of what your museum offers to the broader economic ecosystem and the culture of your community. This survey collects basic visitor and operating information to support a statewide economic impact study of Maryland museums. We understand exact figures may not be readily available—best estimates are perfectly acceptable. Most respondents complete this survey in 10–15 minutes. If you have questions while completing the survey, need help interpreting a question, or aren’t sure how best to report something based on how you track it now, support is available. You won’t be on your own. If you have any questions, please email: Kyle McMillen at mcmillen@parkerstrategy.com. Additionally, if you have additional information, data, or comments to share, we all ears and you can please use the same email address above. Take the survey here. |