VAM Voice Summer 2013 Newsmagazine by Virginia Association of Museums

Voice

3126 W. Cary St., #447 | Richmond, Virginia 23221-3504 | 804. 358.3170 | www.vamuseums.org | Summer 2013

A Tribute to Margo Carlock iTechnical Insert: Starting a Museum Member Profile: The Taubman Museum of Art Plus, Conference 2013 Wrap Up & Top 10

Cover Story

A Tribute to Margo Carlock

It was during the long drive home from The Homestead, after leading what would be her last VAM conference, when Margo got the call. She had interviewed and was awaiting that final word from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) all the way from Fort Collins, Colorado. Yes, it was the call she had been waiting for. But after having bid farewell to many old friends and colleagues after an energetic conference full of camaraderie, the feeling was bittersweet. Finally, the unmistakable feeling of change was in the air – both for Margo, and for VAM. And we all know that, while change is necessary, and good, it is never easy. But we also know that a strong leader like Margo, and a strong organization like VAM, grows stronger when challenged.

As you read this article, Margo is in her new position – in Fort Collins, Colorado – where she has been appointed as the executive director of the National Association for Interpretation. A new place, new faces, new challenges await her – and VAM wishes her all the best! Those of us who have worked with Margo over the years understand that she will meet whatever challenges face her head-on, make many new friends in the process, and do for the NAI what she did so well at VAM – lead our association forward. Margo first introduced herself to the VAM membership in the Spring, 1994 VAM Quarterly newsmagazine (way before we dubbed it The VAM Voice). Margo said in that article,“I hope to work with you to continue the rich tradition of VAM’s service to Virginia’s museum community, and build on the strong reputation that VAM has earned in the field nationwide…. I hope to be able to expand the services we offer members while maintaining the high caliber of professional development activities that have been the foundation of VAM’s success.” Fast forward nearly 20 years, and we can look back along the timeline of

accomplishments that have become Margo’s legacy at VAM, and we can smile and nod. “Why yes, Ms. Carlock. You fulfilled those initial hopes, and more!” In the 19 years Margo was with VAM, we have grown our membership (many of you still have the “VAM 1000” buttons!), increased participation in programs and on committees, and added programs that meet the needs of museum professionals across the spectrum of their careers. In sum, we have nurtured a truly collegial community of professionals who connect with each other, offer help and guidance when needed, and grow stronger in the process. Isn’t that what a professional association is all about? Then there’s the “blood, sweat, and tears.” With all of the accomplishments and accolades, none of Margo’s – or VAM’s – accomplishments could have occurred without a lot of hard work. During Margo’s 19 year tenure at VAM, we moved offices six times, had 10 council presidents, and hosted 20 annual conferences! We added programs such as the Virginia TimeTravelers passport program – now being adapted by the folks at the Governor’s Mansion for the 2013 Year of the Historic House. Over the years we have hosted summer conservation work-

him had done – look to securing VAM’s funding sources, advocate for Virginia’s museums, and work to build a strong and active governing Council that would represent our members’ best interests. And like Joe, Margo has always been focused on the future, and VAM’s potential to be even better. shops, “Fundamentals Forum” conferences, added a Virginia Certificate in Museum Management program, as well as Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts program – just to name a few of VAM’s many initiatives! None of this could have been done without the hard work that takes place behind the scenes. In that regard, Margo has always been one to lead by example. Says Jennifer Thomas, who has worked hand in hand with Margo for 13 years, “Working with Margo was an experience I will never forget. She taught me the value of thinking big, and of trusting and teaching your staff. But what I’ll remember most is that she was always carrying the heaviest box, and shouldering as much of a load as anyone else.” When Tracy Gillespie stepped in to the VAM presidency in March of 2012, she knew she had big shoes to fill. Tracy’s immediate predecessor, our dear departed colleague Joe Gutierrez, had continued to do what presidents before

Says Ms. Gillespie, “Margo’s record speaks for itself – increased respect for VAM from our fellow museum professional organizations around the country, growth in our organization’s membership, support from museum-based businesses, and the successful leadership of a strong and dedicated staff, to name just a few of her many achievements. I will miss

Clockwise, from facing page: Margo with current VAM staff Christina Newton, Su Thongpan, Jennifer Thomas, and Heather Widener; Margo at the Hospitality Suite during the 2003 Annual Conference; Margo with former VAM president Scott Harris; Margo with VAM council members Sean Fearns and Lin Ezell. Margo both professionally and personally, and join many others in wishing her well in her new position with NAI. I also excitedly look forward to the next chapter in VAM’s book – a chapter Margo has outlined, but one that will be written by our next executive director. And Margo would have it no other way!” l

Summer 2013

Quotes from Friends “We work with many types of associations and we often find them to be competent in doing the things associations are supposed to do, however they are sometimes impersonal. Because of Margo and the people she has brought into VAM, VAM has great personality as an organization, something that is rare to find in this age. VAM has been -to me - Managed well, Attractively effective, Responsive to its constituents, Go-getting in it’s drive for excellence, and On-the-move, helping to shape a better future for the museums and cultural institutions of Virginia........in short, it’s been M.A.R.G.O. She has been and always will be a great friend to me and I will sorely miss her. We have shared much in the 20+ years we have worked together and those memories are the primary reason VAM holds a very special place in my heart. I wish her all success in her new venture.” - Randy Holmes, principal, Glavé and Holmes Architecture “Being in Margo’s company is like reading your favorite book, enjoying a good cigar, and putting on your most comfortable shoes, all at the same time. [At least, those are the sorts of things I imagine when I think about Margo—you come up with your own damned list.] The point is, whether at work or at play, Margo is someone you enjoy being around. We can talk all day about how effective she was as VAM’s executive director, what a great advocate she has been for Virginia’s museums, etc., etc. Ultimately, I think what matters most in this world is not so much what you did, but rather how you did it. Margo was—and is—an outstanding executive; more importantly, she was—and is—an outstanding human being.” Scott Harris, James Monroe Museum and Library “Margo is a consummate professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. When I was president, she mentored me through the advocacy processes and I was constantly amazed at her diplomatic abilities and her “sweet-talkin’ ways.” I have loved working with Margo all these many years. She is, to me, the very definition of VAM.” - Patricia Hobbs, University Collections of Art and History, Washington and Lee University “What I most appreciate about Margo is her leadership style. I became involved with VAM in 1993, the same year as Margo. She soon had me in her sights as a willing volunteer and she cultivated that relationship for nearly 20 years. Her effectiveness as an executive is based on her ability to keep people interested and involved and at the same time make each person feel very special. We shared many good times and survived some very intense challenges that confronted and threatened the organization during my presidency. Through it all she was able to maintain her composure and continue to keep VAM in focus and under control. In short, Margo is an effective leader, a good friend and a nice person.” - John Verrill, Practical Matters for Small Museums

Starting a Museum by Victoria Hauser Victoria Hauser is currently finishing VAM’s Virginia Certificate in Museum Management. She holds a Master’s degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a founding board member of the Willcox Watershed Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to the rehabilitation of Lee Park in Petersburg, Virginia. Victoria is currently associate project manager at Wendel, an architecture and engineering firm.

and its limits? and national museum organizations • What sources of support can your can also provide insight into the museum count on? planning process. (See the list of • What collections are available or resource organizations at the end of need to be found to serve your mu- this article.) seum’s purpose? Institution Planning • Who will have responsibility for the Institutional plans guide existing museum, and what rules will govern museums in their mission and vision. its operation? These plans can also be valuable • What will be your collections policy? tools for organizing a new museum. • What staff, paid and volunteer, will Creating a plan challenges the orgabe needed? nizers to set goals for the museum • How will you maintain good public and to strive for continued growth. relations? These plans typically cover three to • How will you provide for continued five years. Institutional plans work in A revised white paper that VAM will be planning? conjunction with operational plans. issuing this summer will help an• How will you keep your museum Operational plans are typically for swer these questions and make your alive, dynamic, creative--even visionary? shorter terms - often one fiscal year. museum become a non-profit reality. Additionally, it may be beneficial to They may contain similar tasks and VAM currently has an information visit another museum that is similar timelines for the museum, but adpacket that can assist groups starting to the one you are planning in size, dress more day-to-day operations to a new museum. The updated informalocation, or scope. Colleagues in the accomplish these projects. New mution serves to bring together existing museum field can provide guidance seums will want to consider the steps sources of information and guide planon getting started. The Virginia Asneeded to implement their vision. ning for new museums. We hope the sociation of Museums, state agencies, revised version will provide practical advice and stimulate your group’s thinking on starting a museum that Resources for Further Exploration will expand Virginia’s diverse and exciting museum offerings! Building Museums: A Handbook for Small and Midsize Organizations

Technical Insert

Starting a museum often comes from having an amazing site or collection of resources to share with the public. Creating a non-profit organization can help the long-term success of a museum, but the process can be overwhelming. A simple Google search will lead you to thousands of resources on starting a non-profit museum. But are these sources legitimate? Do they apply to your museum? Do they apply to Virginia laws? Do they go beyond paperwork and provide good advice for starting a sustainable museum?

Getting Started A new museum will have many driving forces and passionate advocates behind it. Planning is a crucial first step to getting started and knowing what decisions need to be made to create a sustainable museum. Gerald George and Cindy Sherrell-Leo’s Starting Right: A Basic Guide to Museum Planning poses twenty groups of questions to get a new museum’s organizers prepared. The following are just a few: • What is your museum’s mission

Robert Herskovitz, Timothy Glines, David Grabitske. Minnesota Historical Society, 2012. Manual of Museum Planning: Sustainable Space, Facilities, & Operations Edited by Barry Lord, Gail Dexter Lord, Lindsay Martin. Lord Cultural Resources, 2012. Museum Basics Timothy Ambrose, Crispin Paine. Taylor & Francis, Inc., April 2006. A Museums & Community Toolkit American Alliance of Museums, 2002. Starting Right: A Basic Guide to Museum Planning Gerald George and Carol Maryan-George. AltaMira Press, 2004. What Comes First: Your Guide to Building a Strong, Sustainable Museum or Historical Organization (With Real Life Advice from Folks Who’ve Done It) Joan H. Baldwin (Museum Association of New York)

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) offers a reference guide titled “Developing an Institutional Plan.”This planning document is one of five core documents that that AAM requires in their accreditation program. The institutional plan should include: • goals (specific things the museum wants to achieve) • action steps (specific assignments to achieve these goals) • assignment of responsibility for accomplishing action steps • assessment of resources (human and financial) needed to implement the plan • how the institution will obtain these resources • timeline for implementation • priorities • evaluation mechanisms and measures of success Developing an institutional plan will give a new museum a lot to consider and can help express the mission and purpose of the organization. Development of the plan will likely include connecting with other groups and resources to understand where the museum fits into its community and what the museum contributes. More information can be found online. Board Member Responsibilities and Museum Roles Understanding museum roles can guide the planning process and allow organizers to determine their professional and volunteer staff needs. Selecting museum staff is essential to daily museum operations. For a museum that may remain small, only a few positions may be needed and a staff person may handle multiple responsibilities. In a museum’s early days, board members and volunteers may take on many of these responsibilities. When hiring an initial staff position, it may be best to start with a single experienced director that can handle daily operations, contribute to planning efforts, oversee volunteers, and represent the organization to the public. Other possible staff positions include: archivist, collections manager, communications director, conservator, curator, development director, docents, education specialist, exhibit designer, membership director, and volunteer coordinator. The mission of the

museum will help dictate the positions the organization might need.

This may be the most daunting and confusing part of establishing a museum. In addition to establishing the non-profit Consulting tax professionals and attorneys organization, board members should is recommended. However, having a basic expect to be responsible for major budgetunderstanding will allow a museum board ary decisions, determining needs and hiring to move forward with the museum’s mission. staff, fundraising, planning for the institution, serving as volunteers, and assisting One legal resource available was prethe director with being public advocates of pared by students in the Law of Nonprofit the museum. Understanding museum roles Organizations class at the University of can guide the planning process and allow Richmond. Their manual provides checkorganizers to determine their professional lists and guidance in five areas: and volunteer staff needs. • Before you Begin, • Forming the Organization, Museum Ethics and Standards • 501(c)(3) status and fund-raising, AAM offers Standards and Best Practices • Employees and Volunteers, and and a Code of Ethics for Museums. Much • Operations and Governance. like institutional plans, these principles The manual can be accessed at: can guide a starting museum in creathttp://law.richmond.edu/people/initiaing a foundation for success and future tives/nonprofit.html. l growth. The introduction to AAM’s code states “Although the operating environment of museums grows more complex each year, the root value for museums, Resource Organizations the tie that connects all of us together Virginia Organizations despite our diversity, is the commitment to serving people, both present and Preservation Virginia future generations. This value guided Virginia Association of Museums the creation of, and remains the most fundamental principle in, the Code of Virginia Conservation Association Ethics for Museums. “ The code provides Virginia Foundation for the Humanities standards for guiding governance, collections, and programs. More informaVirginia State Government Agencies tion can be found online at: Virginia Commission for the Arts http://www.aam-us.org/resources/ ethics-standards-and-best-practices/ Virginia Department of Education code-of-ethics-for-museums. Virginia Department of Historic Corporation and Non-profit Status Resources Establishing a corporation will be a major step in the planning of a new mu- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts seum. Information on creating a corpoVirginia Tourism Corporation ration in Virginia can be found through National & Regional Organizations the State Corporation Commission. American Alliance of Museums For a museum to achieve recognition as a nonprofit corporation there are several steps to go through, as well as several documents that must be in place and made available to the public. These include: Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, IRS Form 1023 (Application for Exemption and supporting documentation), IRS Letter of Recognition of 501(c) (3) status. Once an organization is established, three years of Form 990 returns must be on file.

Summer 2013

American Association of State & Local History American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) Institute of Museum & Library Services Museum Trustee Association National Council on Public History Southeastern Museum Conference

So Much to Explore l Conference 2013 l

Program Updates

by William Strollo Director of Education & Public Relations Wilton House Museum VAM2013 Conference Photographer

Set in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains, Virginia and D.C. museum professionals had an abundance to learn, see, do, and explore at the three day VAM conference, held at The Homestead, in Hot Springs, VA. It’s difficult to imagine that so much could be found in one location after traveling the rolling fields and endless peaks leading up to Hot Springs. This elegant environment offered the ideal setting for a retreat from the “usual” workday, allowing participants to delve into the many offerings of our cultural colleagues. Although regular concurrent sessions and workshops did not begin until after lunch on Sunday, two important events took place that morning: an open VAM Council meeting and a behindthe-scenes tour of The Homestead. The Council meeting can best be described as a conclave of Virginia and D.C. museum professionals devoted to the advancement and advocacy of VAM’s cultural institutions. As serious as one can perceive this group, and they had moments of serious business, this meeting also included moments of laughter, playful exchange, the welcoming of new members to the Council, and the bidding farewell (for now) of outgoing other members.

Following the Council meeting the gracious staff of The Homestead took an excited group of VAM members and families through the workings of this historic resort. While winding through the various floors, corridors, and inner workings of the resort, it was no surprise to see participants get excited about early maps and elevators, century old fire doors, and the pastry kitchen. It was hard not to get excited about the latter, especially when you could look into the bowels of an oven that turns out thousands of biscuits a day, watch pastry chef assemble trays of treats, and even see the famous doughnut fryer.

By the time this tour had ended it was only noon on the first day of what would be an exciting, educational, and impressive conference. The afternoon brought the start of the sessions and workshops. It is always difficult to flip through the numerous choices of sessions, only able to attend a few yourself. As an educator and curator, I naturally went to those pertaining to my fields, but that did not stop me from hearing what others had to say about the sessions they had attended. One of the many qualities that I appreciate about the VAM conference is its ability to bring together a variety of professionals from different cultural fields and specialties. That could easily be seen by the makeup of the attendees and the presenters. One of the main features of the conference every year is the exhibit hall. These exhibitors not only help museums work towards the fulfillment of their missions, but they also aid in the procurement of engaging amenities such as books, films,

and apps. Furthermore, they help make programs at the conference possible. The exhibit hall sneak peak, coffee breaks, Falconry at The Homestead, and the Circuit Walk are among the many added treats we are thankful these vendors supported. Those who attended the Falconry and Circuit Walk can attest, these events were both educational and entertaining. They were also made possible by sponsors. Another event that cannot be overlooked was the black-tie banquet. This banquet included recognizing the Ann Brownson Awardees as well as the Certificate Graduates. Following the banquet, attendees were treated to the premier of Virginia’s Executive Mansion’s documentary, First House. The success of this conference is largely due to the hard work of the VAM staff, VAM Governing Council, VAM 2013 Annual Conference Committees, conference sponsors, conference volunteers, silent auction donors, and The Homestead. Being able to witness and take part in this year’s conference from behind the camera gave me an inside look at the wonderful things going on around the Commonwealth and in the Nation’s Capital. I hope all of this year’s conference offerings help participants bring the excitement and joy of what they learned back to their own museums. l

Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts 2013 Is your organization looking for an opportunity to increase awareness of your collection? How about find funding for the conservation of a prized artifact? Wondering how to spice up your Facebook feed? Or, find a unique way to boost summertime activities? Well, the Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts may just be the answer!

The Georgianna Saunders Midwife Records from The Salem Museum in Salem, VA. 2012 Top 10 Endangered Artifacts Honoree. Photo courtesy of The Salem Museum. With two years under our belts, VAM just kicked-off the third year of our popular public relations campaign. Collecting institutions of all shapes and sizes are asked to nominate an artifact or archival item to the 2013 program to share your treasure’s story while reaping the benefits of this unique public relations and outreach program. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

2. Attend a webinar on July 15/16 to review the program calendar, plus learn tips on reaching out to the media and maximizing your participation. 3. Rally your staff, volunteers and supporters to take part in some friendly competition with your colleagues in the collections communities and “Get Out the Vote!” by championing your item during the online public voting phase in August. While there are no monetary awards, we’re enhancing the program this year by adding web links to each nominee’s website (if provided) to encourage donations. The institution with the most votes does land the “People’s Choice” honor, which only expands the opportunities for promotion and media relations. 4. Join in anticipation for the “Big Announcement” in mid-September to find out what artifacts were chosen by the Peer Review Panel as the 2013 “Top 10 Endangered Artifacts” in Virginia! Then use your honor to reach out to potential funders while creating enthusiasm for your organization and collections care. Ok, it takes four steps, but the last one is the easiest. So what are you waiting for? You just might benefit from new funding, supporters, volunteers, special event ideas, and increased media coverage as past participants have!

Go to www.VATop10Artifacts.org and nominate an artifact before June 30, and take advantage of one of the most unique public outreach programs for conservation around. In fact, it’s such a great idea, that our fellow IMLS Con1. Brainstorm with your colleagues necting to Collections Grant recipiabout what fascinating item from your ents - Conservation Center for Art and collection could use conservation supHistoric Artifacts in Philadelphia and port while grabbing the attention of the Oklahoma Cultural Heritage Trust your constituents and the public, and – have created similar programs for then fill out the easy-to-use nomination their own states of Pennsylvania and form by June 30. The Top 10 Peer Review Oklahoma. Panel will use this form and any photographs to determine the honorees.

Summer 2013

Questions? Contact Virginia Collections Initiative Project Manager, Christina Newton, at cnewton@vamuseums.org or 804-358-3173.l

Thank You Conference 2013 Sponsors! PLATINUM The Design Minds, Inc. TourSphere, Inc. GOLD Cinebar Productions, Inc. Glavé & Holmes Architecture Stumpf & Associates, Inc. SILVER Blair, Inc. Gropen, Inc. Lynchburg College Museum Studies Program Museum Rails Rudinec & Associates – Request-A-Print BRONZE AmRestore Clarkson & Wallace Realty Co. Dorfman Museum Figures HealyKohler Design Hollinger Metal Edge Homestead Preserve Markel Artworks Nature Retreats OnCell Russell Bernabo Fine Art Conservation Shenandoah Valley Productions LLC StudioAMMONS VAM Council Willis of New York, Inc.

Th e Ta u b m a n M u seum by Della Watkins, Executive Director, Taubman Museum of Art

Member Profile

lection includes works by Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, John Cage, Audrey Flack, and Dorothy Gillespie. Artworks by Thomas Eakins and his circle are complemented by an archive of documents and photographs. Additionally, the museum maintains an archive of works and documentary material relating to the internationally renowned Mountain Lake Workshop.

From the pinnacle view of the Taubman Museum of Art glass atrium seen from US I-581 all the way to the front door, the architecture is a message of exuberant welcome. As the visitor arrives to this iconic Roanoke City gateway, there is an immediate sense of accessibility, into the atrium, café, shop, theater, and galleries. Once inside the permanent collection includes important 19th and early 20th century American art, as well as significant modern and contemporary art, photography, design, and decorative arts, as well as Southern folk art. The American art collection dates from the mid-19th through the end of the 20th century, providing exemplary works from the Hudson River, American Realism, American Impressionism, and Arts and Crafts art movements. American artists

include Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam, Maurice Prendergast, John Singer Sargent, Robert Henri, Norman Rockwell, George Inness, Eduard Steichen, and Thomas Hart Benton. The modern and contemporary col-

The permanent collection is continuously presented in varying iterations and galleries. The overall exhibition schedule includes key works by regional artists, as well as nationally and internationally acclaimed touring exhibitions. These temporary rotating shows represent 4-5 galleries in the museum, and change out every 3-6 months. They offer a diverse array of contemporary paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs, in

Winslow Homer ; American, 1836-1910 Woodchopper in the Adirondacks, circa 1870; Oil on canvas; 10 ¾ x 15 ¾” Collection of the Taubman Museum of Art; Acquired with funds provided by the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust, 1999.015

m o f Ar t Upcoming Exhibitions at the Taubman May 28–Aug 24 Her Stories: Fifteen Years of the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective June 15–August 31 Jason Salavon: A Seamlessness Between Things Alter Egos and the Magical Other: John Bankston, Amy Cutler, Jeremiah Johnson, Fred Stonehouse June 15–Aug 24 Suzanne Stryk: Notes on the State of Virginia Norman Rockwell, American, 1894-1978 (Framed, 1946) Oil and graphite on canvas and wood; 42 ½ x 33” Collection of the Taubman Museum of Art; Acquired with funds provided by the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust, 2003.001 addition to providing an overview of new media, craft, and art historical shows, in solo, small group, and large group presentations. The museum is one of the major cultural attractions in the region impacting quality of life, economic development, and education. Through our exhibitions, educational initiatives, institutional partnerships, community outreach, family-driven programming, and increased accessibility, we are successfully fulfilling our mission by broadening our audience and offering unique art experiences for adults and children alike, with more than 106,000 visitors served last year.

The vision for the Taubman Museum of Art is to be the cultural heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. As the new executive director, I invite you to visit this summer! l Gallery Hours Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm Every Thursday & First Fridays until 9:00pm Closed Sunday and Monday

Opening July 19 Reunion: Highlights of the Taubman Museum of Art Collection July 27 – Jan 11 Myth: Ann Glover Aug 9–Jan 25 Ambiguity and Interface: Art Across the Spectrum

http://www.taubmanmuseum.org/

Summer 2013

Museum News in Your Member Kudos

On May 9th, at the Visit Loudoun annual meeting, the Waterford Foundation was honored with the Event of the Year award for their 2012 Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit. The Foundation also won an award from the Loudoun County Joint Architectural Review Board for the Old School’s new auditorium, which was completed in April 2012. Congratulations to all the folks over at the Waterford Foundation!

year, the green power produced by the system will prevent more than 41 metric tons of carbon dioxide being released. The project was funded with a $150,000 grant from Dominion Virginia Power’s charitable foundation.

MUSENET

Monticello has received a $10 million gift from David M. Rubenstein, philanthropist and Co-CEO of The Carlyle Group. The generous gift will help restore the upper floors of the house, and help to reconstruct Mulberry Row, Monticello’s main plantation hub. AdThe Virginia Aquarium’s Mentoring ditionally, the gift will fund the upYoung Scientists (MYS) program was selected by a panel of community judg- grade of electrical and climate-control systems that are approaching the end es to receive a 2013 Hampton Roads of their life cycle. Volunteer Achievement Award in the Youth Group Category. In 1951 the Moton Student Strike in The Hampton Roads Community Foun- Farmville, Virginia made history. The 13year battle to desegregate Prince Edward dation has awarded a $250,000 grant for the American Revolution Museum County’s public schools would reshape the nation and the future of American at Yorktown, which by late 2016 will education. Now,‘The Moton School Story: replace the Yorktown Victory Center, Children of Courage’ shares this history operated by the state’s Jamestownwith the world. Designed by PetersburgYorktown Foundation. The grant will support acquisition of artifacts, interac- based StudioAmmons, the Moton Museum’s permanent exhibition begins with tive exhibits and films for the new museum galleries and will help to meet the April 1951 strike against separate, a challenge grant issued last fall by The but unequal conditions at Farmville’s R.R. Moton High School. From this youthMary Morton Parsons Foundation of Richmond. The Parsons Foundation is led direct action emerged the largest matching 50 percent of up to $500,000 and only student-initiated case among in gifts made through November 2013 the five that comprise Brown v. Board for the American Revolution Museum of Education. The exhibition continues through Virginia’s “Massive Resistance” to at Yorktown galleries. school desegregation, followed by Prince The Virginia Living Museum cut the rib- Edward’s extreme decision to close all bon to its solar education project, one of public schools from 1959 until 1964. In the largest non-profit solar installations the final gallery, visitors encounter the 1963-64 Kennedy Administration-supin Hampton Roads, on April 20, followported Free School system, and end with ing a brief dedication ceremony. The museum has installed 165 solar panels the Supreme Court’s 1964 Griffin decision reopening county schools, ensuring free (a 46.2KW solar system) on its south facing roof. The solar system will produce desegregated education for all. more than 4900 kWh of electricity per Congratulations to the following Virmonth (58,853kWh per year), enough to fully power more than six U.S. homes. ginia museums that have been recently accepted into the Museum Assessment The system is expected to save the museum more than $5,000 in electricity Program (MAP). costs in the first year alone. Over the first * Black History Museum and Cultural

Center of Virginia, Richmond * Radford University Art Museum, Radford * Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke MAP is administered by the American Alliance of Museums through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

 Member News

Lynchburg’s historic Old City Cemetery, Virginia’s oldest public burial ground, has launched its biggest effort to date to find and identify unmarked graves in its midst. The Frontier Culture Museum announced the museum has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to undertake the Virginia Artisan Center Planning Project. As part of the planning project, the museum will complete an artisan center feasibility study. With a newly created logo on display, a cornerstone was dedicated recently for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, which will replace the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution operated by the state’s Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Many Virginia museums are participating again this year in the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums is a partnership among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Joining Forces, MetLife Foundation and hundreds of museums across the country. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to active duty mililtary and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cleaning supplies, scissors and a garden hose were among the many items TowneBank donated to the Virginia Living Museum on May 22. “The in-kind support provided by TowneBank is critical in

Backyard, and Beyond... assisting the museum fulfill its mission,” said Executive Director Page Hayhurst.“Helping the museum meet an ongoing need for supplies is a great way for businesses to learn about the museum, its animals and the people that make it special.”

Wiliam County. He now supervises all County owned historic sites (five), including staff, day to day operations, and programming. Congratulations Rob!

Walter L. Mess, who established the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently was a member of its Board for more than introduced Wild@Art, a new app for smart- 45 years, passed away on Sunday, May 26, phones highlighting more than 30 works of at the age of 100. During his more than four art from the museum’s collection, including decades on the NVRPA Board, the agency select pieces from the current exhibition preserved over 10,000 acres of land. Domestic, Wild, Divine: Artists Look at Animals. The app is free and available for download Wilton House Museum and The National from iTunes and Android Marketplace. Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia Monticello archaeologists will launch an recently announced the hiring of Keith D. innovative collaborative project designed MacKay as their next executive director. to advance the study of slavery in North MacKay has been responsible for the America and the Caribbean, thanks to a re- preservation and interpretation of Ten cently announced grant from the Andrew Chimneys, a National Historic Landmark, W. Mellon Foundation. as the site’s director of historic preservation these past four years. Previously, Mr. Recently, the Virginia Historical Society MacKay was the assistant director of Hispartnered with the Virginia Department of toric Savannah Foundation’s Davenport Education to create Virginia Studies podcasts. House Museum, where he participated in The videos were created in response to a site-wide re-interpretation and collecteachers’ need for SOL-related digital content tion focus re-direction, and as a research that is educational AND entertaining, short- assistant for the White House Historical format, interactive, and free. This new series Association. Welcome, Keith! of videos uses historical images and animation to teach fourth grade students about Glavé and Holmes Architecture (a VAM the American Civil War. Currently, three VHS- business member and conference sponproduced videos are available through the sor) is pleased to announce the promoVirginia Department of Education’s iTunes U tions of S. Jeanne LeFever, AIA, to partner page under the K-12 category. and of Andrew B. Moore, AIA, LEED AP, to principal. Congratulations! Recently, volunteers helped to paint the Richmond Liberty Trail logos on sidewalks Due to a generous gift from the Ratcliffe throughout the area. The new Richmond Foundation, Crab Orchard Museum in TazeLiberty Trail will connect 6.2 miles of Rich- well, VA is re-establishing a full-time curator mond history. The Trail is a collaborative position, named in memory of A.M.“Smiley” initiative of the business, tourism, and his- Ratliff, Jr. “Budget constraints have made tory communities. Find out more at www. it impossible in recent years to employ a rvalibertytrail.com. curator more than part-time,” says Charlotte Whitted, executive director.“We are grateful the Ratcliffe Foundation recognizes our Hails and Farewells need for a full-time curator as essential to the VAM council member Rob Orrison was fulfillment of our mission to preserve and recently promoted from historic site manager of Ben Lomond Historic Site to promote Appalachian cultural heritage.” historic operations supervisor for Prince From the Old Coast Guard Station Mu-

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seum in Virginia Beach: William Hazel has joined the museum as financial administrator/museum store manager, effective May 16. William’s background is in sales, marketing, and business development combined with more than 15 years of museum experience. Welcome, William! The Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation board of trustees sadly announced the passing of their late president, Mrs. Nancy Rowland, after a short illness. Nancy joined the Patrick Henry Auxiliary in 1998 and served as president from 2002-2006. Adriana Christesen, a Huntington, New York native, and a senior art history major at UMW, is joining the folks at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont. Ms. Christesen will be working with education coordinator Michelle CrowDolby to plan and implement interactive programs for museum visitors and the second-annual Beeping Easter Egg hunt.l

Director’s Corner exhibits); and additional training series in marketing, customer service, advocacy, and volunteer management.

Dear Members, At the end of April I said goodbye to the Virginia Association of Museums. It has been nineteen years since I first came to VAM - not as a museum professional, but as a devoted museum fan with experience in putting on conferences, doing advocacy work, publishing newsletters, and creating marketing and public relations campaigns. It seemed like a good fit; I thought “Wow! They’re going to pay me to visit museums!” It hardly seems like 19 years have passed – but so much has happened and VAM has grown so much since that February in 1994. Membership, conference attendance and committee participation has grown, as has the number of staff and size of the budget. I’ve been through 6 office moves, 10 Council presidents and 20 Annual Conferences. In 1994, VAM’s programs consisted of the conference, workshop series of 4-6 workshops per year, and a Senior Management Institute (SMI) funded by an IMLS grant. Over the years, we have added a summer conservation workshop series; additional SMIs, the Museum Fundamentals Forum every three years; the Middle Management Institute every few years; Museum Mentors (a one-on-one training opportunity using Smithsonian traveling

We created a Certificate in Museum Management; the Emergency Response Task Force for disaster relief to museums; an overseas exchange program; the Circuit Rider program for site collections assessment reports; the Collections in Action volunteer curator program; the Top Ten Endangered Artifacts public awareness program; career counseling; and coordinated pro bono technical assistance and consulting for museums. And I’m sure I’m forgetting something!

the museums that I have come to love here. Please do keep in touch – my new email address is mcarlock@interpnet.com. And, if you are in Colorado, look me up! With my warmest regards,

Margo Margo Carlock Executive Director National Association for Interpretation

Although I am proud of all of VAM’s accomplishments, most of all what I have enjoyed about the past 19 years is getting to know my talented and caring colleagues of the museum world, and the enduring friendships I’ve made. It has truly been a labor of love; I am still at heart the same museum geek I was on that February day Our Governing Council so long ago – only President, Tracy J. Gillespie even more amazed VP, Planning & Resources, Al Schweizer at the hard work, VP, Programming, Gary Sandling commitment and Secretary, Anna Holloway dedication of those Treasurer, Norman Burns in the museum field, Past Presidents, John Verrill and Scott Harris and the wonderful Ex-Officio Members, Robert C. Vaughan things they accom- and Robin Nicolson plish day to day. I D i re c to rs am still thrilled to Eric App walk through a mu- Gretchen Bulova seum – of any kind Donald Buma Diane Dunkley – and yes, I’m one Patrick Farris of those who read Charles Grant every label. Debi Gray As I leave Virginia, I have very mixed emotions. I am excited about my new position with the National Association for Interpretation, but will miss the people and

Tramia Jackson Lisa Martin Melanie L. Mathewes April Cheek-Messier Robert Orrison Dana Puga Barbara Rothermel Charlotte Whitted O u r St a f f Interim Executive Dir., Jennifer Thomas Communications Dir., Heather Widener Accountant, Su Thongpan Project Manager, VCI, Christina Newton

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O u r Vo i ce VAM Voice is a member benefit published quarterly for museum professionals and volunteers. The editor encourages readers to submit article proposals. Contact the Communications Director for more information. O u r Co nt a c ts Phone: 804. 358.3170 Fax: 804. 358.3174 www.vamuseums.org jthomas@vamuseums.org hwidener@vamuseums.org su@vamuseums.org cnewton@vamuseums.org O u r News D eadlines Spring: February 15 Summer: May 15 Fall: August 15 Winter: November 15 Our Mission The mission of the Virginia Association of Museums is to serve as the resource network of the Virginia and District of Columbia museum community through education, technical assistance, and advocacy.