1. 2. New Directions
Why the Silence?
3. What a Difference a Day Makes
4. Don’t Tell Anyone!
5. Feedback is Essential
Over the past two years, the Museum has undergone a significant redesign. Why, you may wonder? Well, museums are constantly evolving, never static, always on a journey of continuous improvement.
During this period, we've taken a step back to review many of our processes, asking ourselves fundamental questions: Are they still relevant today? Are they robust enough to carry us forward into the future?
In this introspective process, we've embraced ambitious goals—goals we'll delve into later. I'm pleased to announce that we've made significant strides, though there's still much work ahead.
Throughout this redevelopment phase, we made a deliberate choice to temporarily halt Museum Matters until we felt confident in our new direction. You may recall that we sought your input on what developments our Patrons would like to see—within reasonable bounds, of course!
We've since generated some exciting ideas, and we're eager to revive Museum Matters. I'm thrilled to inform you that we have a plethora of updates to share, and to ensure effective communication, we'll be publishing quarterly editions moving forward.
Over the rest of the year, we will detail many of the steps that we have and are taking in our drive to improve our wonderful Museum. Fundamentally, the goals that we set in order to gain significant traction sound rather simple: to create a popular visitor attraction in its own right to foster an engaging environment where people want to volunteer to develop a thriving programme to attract new Patrons
Simple they are not! To develop each one, we have needed to recruit new Trustees with the right skills. We are also recruiting new volunteers to help out in delivering these goals. As an example, we have just recruited a Lodge Ambassador Development Manager so that we can effectively communicate with Lodges across the Provinces every month.
We are also in the process of recruiting An Association of Patrons Development Manager to drive forward the program that we would like to deliver to you - could this be you?
Within the serene confines of our museum, history breathes vitality through the mesmerizing strokes of paint and the intricate craftsmanship of sculptures that adorn its walls and exhibits. Each relic, every canvas, whispers tales of ancient Freemasonry, beckoning visitors to embark on a temporal odyssey. With each stride, guests traverse various eras, immersing themselves in Freemasonry's intricate narrative.
As guardians of our cultural legacy, we take pride in curating exhibitions that not only reflect our identity but also serve as portals from the past and to the future. Our museum stands as a haven where the resonance of history transcends time, forging connections between yesteryears and the present. Through exhibitions, workshops, and educational initiatives, we aim to kindle curiosity and foster a profound appreciation for our collective heritage. Join us on a voyage of exploration as we unravel the enigmas of bygone eras and honour the enduring imprint of masonic ingenuity.
What does this all mean? All will be revealed in future editions.
We are thrilled to announce that you as Patrons, are the first to officially hear this exciting news! Our application to Canterbury City Council to secure a Blue Plaque commemorating the life of Lord Cornwallis has been successful. Lord Cornwallis, who served as Grand Master of Kent and later as Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Museum and Library.
Securing a Blue Plaque is no small feat, as applications undergo rigorous evaluation by a committee on an annual basis. Given the limited number of Blue Plaques awarded each year, competition within the process is fierce.
The Blue Plaque has now been proudly installed at the Museum, and Canterbury City Council are planning a civic ceremony in May to unveil it. We anticipate this event to be a grand occasion, and we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with you.
Moving forward necessitates actively seeking feedback, as it serves as an invaluable tool for improvement. At the Museum, this process is highly active, as it's crucial to gauge accuracy and consider adjustments. We value your feedback immensely. If you identify areas for improvement, we encourage you to not only express your concerns but also suggest possible enhancements.
Simply stating, "I don't like it," doesn't provide actionable insights. However, if you elaborate on your dislike, it greatly aids us. Even better is if you not only express your dislike but also offer suggestions for improvement. We genuinely appreciate all feedback, regardless of its nature, as it demonstrates your investment in our work. Remember, the Museum serves as the primary showcase for Freemasonry in Kent. Let's make the most of it together.