Winter 2015 VAM Voice

Voice

3126 W. Cary St., #447 | Richmond, Virginia 23221-3504 | 804. 358.3170 | www.vamuseums.org | Winter 2015

Economic Impact Studies:

Preservation, Revitalization, Heritage Tourism

i

Effective Communication and ADA Requirements

Member Profile: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown FY2015 Annual Report

Downtown Roanoke, from the rooftop of Center in the Square. VAM’s annual conference will be held in Roanoke in 2017.

Contents Cover Story 3 - 4

Economic Impact Studies: Preservation, Revitalization, Heritage Tourism

by Justin Sarafin and Heather Widener

i

Technical Insert

Effective Communication and ADA Requirements

VAM FY2015 Annual Report

Our Mission The Virginia Association of Museums is a statewide network serving the museum community.

5-6

Our Vision A united museum community inspiring the world around us

Our Governing Council

7 - 10

Program Updates 11

An Open Letter to Our Members

President, Al Schweizer VP, Planning & Resources, Gary Sandling VP, Programming, Gretchen Bulova Secretary, Dana Puga Treasurer, Eric App Immediate Past President, Tracy J. Gillespie Ex-Officio Members, Robert C. Vaughan and Jeffrey Allison

from Jennifer Thomas

D i re c tor s

Book Review 12

Paige Backus Lisa Martin Jamie Bosket Jeffrey L. Nichols Mikell Brown, PhD Robert Orrison Norman Burns Scott Stroh Karen Daly Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, PhD Charles Grant Sarah Whiting Debi Gray Charlotte Whitted Joe Keiper Eric S. Wilson

The Small Big: Small Changes that Spark Big Influence,

by Steve J. Martin, Noah Goldstein, Robert Cialdini

by Jennifer Thomas

Member Profile 13 - 14

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to Explore Causes, Impact, Meaning of the Revolution by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

President’s Corner 16

by Al Schweizer

Save the Date for #VAM2016

O u r Con tac ts

Phone: 804. 358.3170 Fax: 804. 358.3174 www.vamuseums.org

O u r Sta f f

Executive Director, Jennifer Thomas jthomas@vamuseums.org Assistant Director, Christina E. Newton cnewton@vamuseums.org Communications Director, Heather Widener hwidener@vamuseums.org Accountant, Su Thongpan su@vamuseums.org

O u r Voi ce

The VAM Voice is a member benefit published quarterly.

VAM encourages readers to submit article proposals.

Contact the communications director for more information.

Voi ce D e adl i n e s

March 12 - 15, 2016 Williamsburg, Virginia 2

Spring: February 15th Summer: May 15th Fall: August 15th Winter: November 1st

Economic Impact Studies:

Preservation, Revitalization, Heritage Tourism

by Justin Sarafin and Heather Widener

I

While Virginia’s museums have definitely benefited from the first two programs under study, the third study – focusing on Heritage Tourism – deals directly with the impact of Virginia’s museums and cultural sites on the economy of the Commonwealth. Hopefully, a representative from your museum was able to participate in the survey Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism.

If you are reading this article prior to December 15th and have not yet completed the survey, please do so by the 15th. You may log on to Survey Monkey at: http:// tinyurl.com/heritagetourism to do so now.

Economic Impact of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Programs

Economic Impact of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Programs in Virginia assesses the economic impact of state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits in Virginia.

In FY2012, Virginia ranked third in the nation – behind only Massachusetts and Missouri – in the use of historic tax credits (and today we rank second). The study found the rehabilitation, re-use, and preservation of Virginia’s historic residential and commercial buildings is good for the Commonwealth’s economy. The study tracks compelling statistics and first-hand accounts about preservation’s benefits across the economy—an impact of an estimated $3.9 billion. Those rehabilitation expenses and their domino effect have also created more than 31,000 full and part-time jobs during a 17-year period and generated an estimated $133 million in state and local tax revenues. Also, the nearly $1 billion in tax credits leveraged almost $3 billion in private investment, resulting in the rehabilitation of 2,375 buildings—ranging from warehouses, hotels, theaters, and museums to private residences.

The study also showed that state tax credits drew reliable investment in rehabilitation-based construction during the Great Recession, 2007-2009. According to a local official, “Without historic tax credits, our downtown would have been frozen in time.” The localities analyzed for the study include Virginia’s 11 “Metropolitan Statistical Areas:” Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, Bristol, Charlottesville, Danville, Hampton Roads, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Roanoke, and Winchester.

The first of three, this Preservation Virginia study was completed in 2014 by the VCU team, with support from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) and a grant from Mead Westvaco. The study used data from 1997 to 2013 provided by the DHR, which administers the state and federal tax credit programs in Virginia.

“The cultural benefits of preservation and passing forward our historic legacies are well known,” said Elizabeth Kostelny, CEO of Preservation Virginia. “VCU’s study confirms that historic preservation also provides profound economic benefits, and it begins with the incentives provided by state and federal tax credits….”

Roanoke’s own Center in the Square is a great example of the success of the tax credit program. Built in 1914 on the cor-

Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

ner of Roanoke’s Farmers’ Market, the McGuire building – now Center in the Square - housed W. E. McGuire’s Farmers’ Supply Co. that sold buggies, wagons, fertilizer, seed, and other farm-related equipment and supplies. Today, multiple cultural and educational attractions are located in a central downtown location, thanks to Center in the Square. The Center has been a unique and decisive catalyst for downtown renewal, estimating their annual economic influence at $19 million, according to their website. Center in the Square is currently home to the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, the History Museum of Western Virginia, the Roanoke Pinball Museum, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia.

30 Years of Impact: How the Main Street Program Has Revitalized Virginia Communities

The second of the Preservation Virginia studies documents how the Virginia Main Street Program, a downtown revitalization approach leveraging historic preservation to promote economic and community development, influences our economy. Again conducted by VCU, the second of the Preservation Virginia studies was made possible through a partnership with, and a generous grant from, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation piloted a program in 1977 that lead to the Main Street Approach to downtown revitalization, an approach that has proven successful throughout the nation.

Success comes as the Main Street Program builds upon a community’s historic, physical, social, economic, and cultural assets. According to the VCU study, Virginia adopted the Main Street Four-Point Approach in 1985. Since then, our state has revitalized 37 communities, achieving positive economic impacts and recreating a strong sense of place. Additionally, 3,365 net new businesses have been created in Main Street districts and 11,908 net new jobs have been created by Main Street businesses.

Cover Story

n honor of their 125th anniversary and in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act, Preservation Virginia is undertaking three studies that highlight Virginia’s return on its investment in terms of historic preservation: Economic Impact of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Programs in Virginia; 30 Years of Impact: How the Main Street Program Has Revitalized Virginia Communities; and Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism in Virginia.

The studies are being conducted by the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis in Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs (CURA@VCU). The first of the studies was completed in 2014, with the third expected in 2016. With advocacy season upon us, it is critical for us to remind our representatives in the state legislature – indeed to remind all of our museums’ stakeholders – that Virginia’s museums (which include historic houses, botanical gardens, aquariums, zoos, children’s museums, historical societies, art museums and galleries, battlefields, military museums, and more) have a profound economic impact.

In Virginia, active Main Street communities include Abingdon, Altavista, Ashland, Bedford, Berryville, Blackstone, Bristol,

3

Economic Impact Studies: Preservation, Revitalization, Heritage Tourism continued from page 3 Culpeper, Farmville, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Luray, Lynchburg, Manassas, Marion, Martinsville, Orange, South Boston, St. Paul, Staunton, Warrenton, Waynesboro, and Winchester. Past communities include Clifton Forge, Danville, Elkton, Emporia, Galax, Herndon, Lexington, Petersburg, Pulaski, Radford, Rocky Mount, and Suffolk.

Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism in Virginia

CURA@VCU is in the midst of the third economic impact study commissioned by Preservation Virginia. With technical assistance from Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), as well as from VAM, this study aims to estimate the economic impact of Heritage Tourism in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For the purposes of this study, CURA@VCU describes Heritage Tourism as: Heritage tourism captures the visitation to sites and attractions that are unique to a given place, telling the story of that place through history, people, and culture.

It can include a great variety of activities

depending on the location. Heritage travelers are looking to learn about places and cultures on their travels, and any site or attraction that supports this goal is included in heritage tourism. For Virginia, it could include battlefield sites due to Virginia’s historical significance in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars….

Centering on the unique history and culture of a place and ranging from natural attractions to archaeological sites, from battlefields to state parks, and from art galleries to historic cemeteries, heritage tourism destinations in Virginia are ubiquitous. A crucial component of this study is a survey of museums and tourist sites that are part of the heritage tourism network of Virginia. Data will be aggregated and used to understand the contribution of heritage tourism to the economy of Virginia. As we await the results of this final economic impact survey, expected in 2016, it is exciting to think that these results could lead to an increased focus on heritage tourism in Virginia, which could take the form of advertising, grants, or higher visibility for historic sites and museums.

After all, the Virginia museum community already knows that Virginia is for Lovers of history, art, nature, science – HERITAGE! If you have questions about any of these surveys, please contact the VCU research team at cura@vcu.edu or Justin Sarafin with Preservation Virginia at jsarafin@preservationvirginia.org. d

VAM would like to thank MuseumRails for their support of Virginia’s museums.

“A destination in Southside, a resource for all of Virginia”

4Research 4Education 4Exhibits

VaM Booth 21 The David Rittenhouse astronomical Musical clock at Drexel university

21 Starling Avenue • Martinsville, VA www.vmnh.net • 276.634.4141

MuseuMRails.coM 888.672.1890

VAM 1-4 pg ad.Voice 11.'15.indd 1

4

10/28/15 2:56 PM

i

Effective Communication and ADA Requirements

Twenty-five years ago, through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our nation committed itself to eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the ADA, VAM is featuring the following ADA guidance on effective communication.

We hope you find it useful as you strive to serve the needs of all visitors to your museum. More technical guidance from ADA is available online at ada.gov.

Title II and title III entities (“covered entities”) must understand how the rules for effective communication apply to them.

The purpose of the ADA rules is to ensure any person with a vision, hearing, or speech disability can communicate with, receive information from, and convey information to, the covered entity. Covered entities must provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities.

Auxiliary Aids and Services

The ADA uses the term “auxiliary aids and services” (“aids and services”) to refer to the ways to communicate with people who have communication disabilities.

For people who are blind, have vision loss, or are deaf-blind, this includes providing a qualified reader; information in large print, Braille, or electronically for use with a computer screen-reading program; or an audio recording of printed information. A “qualified” reader is someone who is able to read effectively, accurately, and impartially, using any necessary vocabulary.

For people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or are deaf-blind, this includes providing a qualified note-taker; a qualified sign language interpreter, oral interpreter, cued-speech interpreter, or tactile interpreter; real-time captioning; written materials; or a printed script of a stock

For people who have speech disabilities, this may include providing a qualified speech-to-speech transliterator (a person trained to recognize unclear speech and repeat it clearly) , especially if the person will be speaking at length, such as giving testimony in court. In some situations, keeping paper and pencil on hand so the person can write out words that staff cannot understand or simply allowing more time to communicate with someone who uses a communication board or device may provide effective communication.

Staff should always listen attentively and not be afraid or embarrassed to ask the person to repeat a word or phrase they do not understand.

Aids and services include a variety of technologies including 1) assistive listening systems and devices; 2) open captioning, closed captioning, real-time captioning, and closed caption decoders and devices; 3) telephone handset amplifiers, hearing-aid compatible telephones, text telephones (TTYs) , videophones, captioned telephones, and other voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products; 4) videotext displays; 5) screen reader software, magnification software, and optical readers; 6) video description and secondary auditory programming (SAP) devices that pick up video-described audio feeds for television programs; 7) accessibility features in electronic documents and other electronic and information technology (accessible independently or through assistive technology such as screen readers).

In real-time captioning (computer-assisted real-time transcription, or CART), a transcriber types what is being said at a meeting or event into a computer that projects the words onto a screen. This service, which can be provided on-site or remotely, is particularly useful for people who are deaf or have hearing loss but do not use sign language.

Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

The free nationwide telecommunications relay service (TRS), reached by calling 7-1-1, uses communications assistants (CAs, or relay operators) who serve as intermediaries between people who have hearing or speech disabilities who use a text telephone (TTY) or text messaging and people who use standard voice telephones. The CA tells the telephone user what the other party is typing and types to tell the other party what the telephone user is saying. TRS also provides speechto-speech transliteration for callers who have speech disabilities.

Video relay service (VRS) is a free, subscriber-based service for people who use sign language and have videophones, smart phones, or computers with video communication capabilities. For outgoing calls, the subscriber contacts the VRS interpreter, who places the call and serves as an intermediary between the subscriber and a person who uses a standard voice telephone. The interpreter tells the telephone user what the subscriber is signing and signs to the subscriber what the telephone user is saying.

Video remote interpreting (VRI) is a feebased service that uses video conferencing technology to access an off-site interpreter to provide real-time sign language or oral interpreting services for conversations between hearing people and people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Covered entities have the choice of using VRI or on-site interpreters in situations where either would be effective.

VRI can be especially useful in rural areas where on-site interpreters may be difficult to obtain. Additionally, there may be some cost advantages in using VRI. However, VRI will not be effective in all circumstances.

For example, it will not be effective if the person who needs the interpreter has difficulty seeing the screen (either because of vision loss or because he or she cannot be properly positioned to see the screen, because of an injury or other condition). In these circumstances, an on-site interpreter may be required.

If VRI is chosen, all of the following specific performance standards must be met: • real-time, full-motion video and audio over a dedicated high-speed, wide-bandwidth video connection or wireless connection that delivers high-quality

Technical Insert

People who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities (“communication disabilities”) use different ways to communicate. The ADA requires that title II entities (State and local governments) and title III entities (businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public) communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities.

speech (such as given on a museum or historic house tour). A “qualified” interpreter is someone who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively (i.e., understanding what the person with the disability is saying) and expressively (i.e., having the skill needed to convey information back to that person).

5

Effective Communication and ADA Requirements continued from page 5 video images that do not produce lags, choppy, blurry, or grainy images, or irregular pauses in communication; • a sharply delineated image that is large enough to display the interpreter’s face, arms, hands, and fingers, and the face, arms, hands, and fingers of the person using sign language, regardless of his or her body position; • a clear, audible transmission of voices; and • adequate staff training to ensure quick set-up and proper operation.

Effective Communication Provisions

Covered entities must provide aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. The key to deciding what aid or service is needed is to consider the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication as well as the person’s normal method(s) of communication.

Some easy solutions work in relatively simple and straightforward situations. For example: • In a museum café, reading the menu to a person who is blind allows that person to decide what to order.

• In a retail setting, writing notes back and forth may allow a person who is deaf to decide whether to purchase a product.

A person’s method(s) of communication are key.

For example, sign language interpreters are effective only for people who use sign language. Similarly, Braille is effective only for people who read Braille. Other methods are needed for people with vision disabilities who do not read Braille, such as providing accessible electronic text documents or forms that can be accessed by the person’s screen reader program. Covered entities are also required to accept telephone calls placed through TRS and VRS, and staff who answer the telephone must treat relay calls just like other calls.

Companions

In many situations, covered entities communicate with someone other than the person who is receiving their goods or services. For example, school staff usually talk to a parent about a child’s progress; hospital staff often talk to a patient’s relative about the patient’s condition or prognosis. The rules refer to such people as “companions” and require covered entities to provide effective communication for companions who have communication disabilities.

The term “companion” includes any family member, friend, or associate of a person seeking or receiving an entity’s goods or services who is an appropriate person with whom the entity should communicate.

Historically, many covered entities have expected a person who uses sign language to bring a family member or friend to interpret for him or her.

6

These people often lacked the impartiality and specialized vocabulary needed to interpret effectively and accurately. It was particularly problematic to use people’s children as interpreters.

burden will vary from entity to entity and sometimes from year to year. The impact of changing economic conditions on the resources available to an entity may impact this determination.

The ADA places responsibility for providing effective communication, including the use of interpreters, directly on covered entities. They cannot require a person to bring someone to interpret for him or her. A covered entity can rely on a companion to interpret in only two situations: • In an emergency involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public, an adult or minor child accompanying a person who uses sign language may be relied upon to interpret or facilitate communication only when a qualified interpreter is not available.

• In situations not involving an imminent threat, an adult accompanying someone who uses sign language may be relied upon to interpret or facilitate communication when a) the individual requests this, b) the accompanying adult agrees, and c) reliance on the accompanying adult is appropriate under the circumstances. This exception does not apply to minor children.

State and local governments: in determining what constitutes undue financial and administrative burdens, a title II entity should take into consideration the cost of the particular aid or service in light of all resources available to fund the program, service, or activity and the effect on other expenses or operations. The decision that a particular aid or service would result in an undue burden must be made by a high level official, no lower than a Department head, and must include a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion.

Who Decides Which Aid or Service Is Needed?

When choosing an aid or service, title II entities are required to give primary consideration to the choice of aid or service requested by the person who has a communication disability. The state or local government must honor the person’s choice, unless it can demonstrate that an equally effective means of communication is available, or that the use of the means chosen would result in a fundamental alteration or in an undue burden (see Limitations below). Even so, the public entity has an obligation to provide an alternative aid or service that provides effective communication if one is available.

Title III entities are encouraged to consult with the person with a disability to discuss what aid or service is appropriate. The goal is to provide an aid or service that will be effective, given the nature of what is being communicated and the person’s method of communicating.

Entities may require advance notice from people requesting aids or services, based on the length of time needed to acquire the aid or service, but may not impose excessive advance notice requirements. “Walk-in” requests for aids and services must be honored to the extent possible.

Limitations

Covered entities are required to provide aids and services unless doing so would result in an “undue burden,” which is defined as significant difficulty or expense. In that case, the entity must provide another effective aid or service, if possible. Determining what constitutes an undue

Businesses and nonprofits: in determining what constitutes an undue burden, a title III entity should take into consideration the nature and cost of the aid or service relative to their size, overall financial resources, and overall expenses.

In general, a business or nonprofit with greater resources is expected to do more to ensure effective communication than one with fewer resources. If the entity has a parent company, the administrative and financial relationship, as well as the size, resources, and expenses of the parent company, would be considered.

Covered entities are not required to provide any particular aid or service in those rare circumstances where it would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services they provide to the public. In the performing arts, for example, slowing down the action on stage to describe the action for patrons who are blind or have vision loss may fundamentally alter the nature of a performance.

Staff Training

A critical component of ensuring success is comprehensive and ongoing staff training. Covered entities may have established good policies, but if front line staff are not aware of them or do not know how to implement them, problems can arise. Covered entities should teach staff about the ADA’s requirements for communicating effectively with people who have communication disabilities. Many local disability organizations, including Centers for Independent Living, conduct ADA trainings in their communities. The Department’s ADA Information Line can provide local contact information. d ADA Website: www.ADA.gov ADA Information Line: 800-514-0301 (Voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY) Source: Revised ADA Requirements: Effective Communication.

(2014, January 31). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from http://www.ada.gov/effective-comm.htm

l

www.vamuseums.org

2014 - 2015

Annual Report

FY

2015 was an active, productive year at the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM). We have been particularly excited by all the news of innovative and ambitious programs and projects undertaken by our members this year, which really made this the perfect year to host “#haveyouseenuslately,” our annual conference, in Richmond. In addition to the conference, VAM hosted workshops, our fifth annual Virginia Museum Advocacy Day, and joined four other state museum associations in an IMLS grant designed to build capacity in all state museum associations. Our membership committee has been working hard all year to revamp our institutional membership program, which will include membership for ANYONE working or volunteering for our member museums. As it was with free student membership last year, our goal is to broaden the reach of VAM, and make sure everyone has access to our programs and services. FY2015 saw a continued involvement with FRAME, the French American Museum Exchange, as well as partnerships with Preservation Virginia and Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, as we continue to find new ways to meet the needs and advance the efforts of our dedicated members to ensure the quality and diversity of Virginia’s museums.

l

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Association of Academic Museums & Galleries Blair, Inc. Bradley Properties Cinebar Productions, Inc. Color-Ad, Inc. CrowdTorch by Cvent, Inc. Design & Production, Inc. Eagle Construction Flourish Creative

Glavé & Holmes Architecture Gropen, Inc. HealyKohler Design Highway Information Media, LLC Hollinger Metal Edge Institute of Library and Museum Services Jay Paul, RCM&D John Tyler Community College Markel Artworks MuseumRails

Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

Left to right: VAM and VFH present the fifth annual Virginia Museum Advocacy Day in January 2015.

VFH staff shared virtual tours of historic sites using Google Cardboard. VAM 2015 conference attendees were treated to refreshments at a VMFA reception on Sunday evening. VAM’s June 2015 Technology Trends workshop at the Virginia Historical Society demonstrated cutting edge videoconferencing technologies.

l

Quatrefoil Associates Riggs Ward Design Segway of Richmond The Design Minds, Inc. Tracy Gillespie University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies Virginia Foundation for the Humanities West Avenue Associates Willis of New York, Inc.

7

Thank You Member Museums VAM represents all Virginia and Washington, D.C. museums through advocacy, professional education and support. We have over 1,000 members, consisting of individuals, businesses, and organizations, which range from historic houses to botanical gardens, aquariums, zoos, children’s museums, historical societies, art museums and galleries, battlefields, military museums, and more. VAM thanks the following member institutions for their support in FY2015, making our museum community the best in the nation!

INS-8 (annual budget over $4M*) Chrysler Museum of Art Colonial Williamsburg Foundation George Washington’s Mount Vernon James Madison’s Montpelier Mariners’ Museum Monticello National Museum of the Marine Corps Norfolk Botanical Garden Science Museum of Virginia Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Maymont National Sporting Library & Museum Oatlands Historic House and Gardens Portsmouth Museums The George Washington Foundation The Valentine Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Virginia Zoological Park

INS-5 (annual budget $500,001 - $1M*) Agecroft Hall & Gardens

INS-4 (annual budget $250,001 $500,000 *)

Alexandria Black History Museum Belle Grove Plantation City of Fairfax (Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center, Ratcliffe-Allison House, Historic Blenheim) City of Petersburg Museums Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, The Fed Experience Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Hampton History Museum

VAM would like to thank the following organizations for their substantial and ongoing support and commitment.

Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

INS-7 (annual budget $2.5M-$4M*) Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Muscarelle Museum of Art Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Preservation Virginia Stratford Hall Plantation, Robert E. Lee Memorial Association The American Civil War Museum Virginia Historical Society Virginia Museum of Natural History

INS-6 (annual budget $1M-$2.5M*) American Civil War Center At Historic Tredegar Birthplace of Country Music Museum Dumbarton House Fralin Museum of Art Gunston Hall Plantation

8

Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center Frontier Culture Museum Gari Melchers’ Home and Studio at Belmont Hampton University Museum Henricus Historical Park, Henricus Foundation Hermitage Museum & Gardens Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Manassas Museum System National D-Day Memorial Foundation Prince William County Historic Preservation Division Science Museum of Western Virginia Virginia Holocaust Museum Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Virginia War Memorial Education Foundation William King Museum of Art Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library

Hampton Roads Naval Museum Hanover Tavern Foundation Historic Christ Church Historic St. Lukes Church Historical Society of Western Virginia Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, UVA Lynchburg Museum System National Firearms Museum Pleasant Grove House Museum Red Hill - Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation Robert Russa Moton Museum St. John’s Church Foundation Taubman Museum of Art The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum Virginia Beach Historic Houses Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc. Washington Heritage Museums Wilton House Museum / NSCDA-VA

Woodrow Wilson House, National Trust for Historic Preservation

INS-3 (annual budget $100,001 $250,000 *)

Alexandria Archaeology AMA Museum Augusta Military Acadamy Alumni Association, Inc. Ashlawn-Highland Black History Museum & Cultural Center Carlyle House Historic Park Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe Authority Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Clarke County Historical Association Museum & Archives Daura Gallery, Lynchburg College DEA Museum & Visitors Center Edgar Allan Poe Museum Fairfax County Park Authority George Washington Masonic National Memorial Historic Crab Orchard Museum Historic Hopewell Foundation, Inc. Historic Smithfield Plantation James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library Lee Chapel and Museum Lee Hall Mansion / Endview Plantation Loudoun Museum Menokin Foundation Montpelier Center for Arts & Education Newtown History Center of the Stone House Foundation Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum Old Coast Guard Station Reedville Fishermen’s Museum Reynolds Homestead Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park The Heritage Museum, HarrisonburgRockingham Historical Society Virginia Museum of the Civil War Virginia Quilt Museum Virginia Repertory Theatre Virginia War Museum

INS-2 (annual budget $25,001 $100,000*)

Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County Museum Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society Aldie Mill Historic Park, NVRPA Archaeological Society of Virginia Ashland Museum Baron & Ellin Gordon Art Galleries at ODU Bath County Historical Society Bedford City County Museum Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation Blue Ridge Institute & Museum Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum Chesterfield Historical Society D’Art Center Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum Essex County Museum Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail Friends of Chevra Thelim-Jewish Museum & Cultural Center George C. Marshall Museum Gloucester Museums, Gloucester CH Green & Visitor Center Henrico County Museum Services Historic Sandusky Louisa County Historical Society MacCallum More Museum & Gardens Maier Museum of Art, Randolph College Mary Ball Washington Museum Montgomery Museum & Lewis Miller Regional Art Center Museum of Bags Museum of Chincoteague Island Museum of the Middle Appalachians

Oakland, Nelson County Historical Society Princess Anne County Training School / Union Kempsville High School Museum Rockbridge Historical Society Salem Museum & Historical Society Spotsylvania County Museum Stonewall Jackson House Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society Sweet Briar College, Art Collection & Galleries Town of Wytheville Museums U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum U.S. Army Transportation Museum U.S. Army Women’s Museum University Collections of Art and History, Washington and Lee University University of Richmond Virginia Civil War Trails VMI Museum Warren Rifles Confederate Memorial Museum Waynesboro Heritage Foundation Weems-Botts Museum, Historic Dumfries Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribal Center & Museum Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum

INS-1 (annual budget up to $25,000*) African American Historical Society of Portsmouth Alleghany Historical Society Allen E. Roberts Masonic Library & Museum, Inc. Appomattox County Historical Society Brownsburg Museum BugBook Computer Museum Camera Heritage Museum Cape Charles Historical Society, Museum & Welcome Center

Captain Timothy Hill House Carver Price Legacy Museum Cherry Hill Farmhouse, Friends of Cherry Hill Farm Foundation Cold War Museum Colonial Beach Historical Society’s Museum at Colonial Beach Danville Historical Society Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Emory & Henry College Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Friends of the Fairfax Station Floyd County Historical Society Fort Valley Museum, Inc. Gloucester Museum of History Grayson Crossroads Museum, Historic 1908 Courthouse Greene County Historical Society Hopewell Museum of Art & Intercultural History John J. Wright Museum Josephine School Community Museum Kernstown Battlefield Association King & Queen County Historical Society & Museum L.E. Coleman African American Museum Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden Legacy Museum of African American History Library of Virginia Mathews County Historical Museum, Inc. Matthews Living History Farm Museum Middlesex County Museum & Historical Society, Inc. Miles B. Carpenter Museum Complex Museum at the Edinburg Mill Museum of Culpeper History Norfolk Fire- Rescue Museum Norfolk Southern Museum

Northern Neck Farm Museum Ohef Sholom Temple Archives Ordnance Training & Heritage Center Pamplin Historical Park Pamunkey Indian Museum & Cultural Center Patrick County Historical Society Museum & Family Research Center Patsy Cline Historic House Piedmont Arts Port Republic Museum, Society of Port Republic Preservationists, Inc. Radford University Art Museum Rappahannock Historical Society Rawls Museum Arts Reuel B. Pritchett Museum Richmond County Museum Richmond Railroad Museum Rockfish Valley Foundation Rosewell (The Rosewell Foundation, Inc.) Sanders House Charitable Trust Schoolfield Museum & Cultural Center Second Union Rosenwald School, Inc. Tangier History Museum Vietnam War Foundation Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Aquarium, and Visitor Center Visual Arts Center, Tidewater Community College Warren Heritage Society Warrenton Antiquarian SocietyWeston Farmstead Waterford Foundation Workhouse Arts Center, Workhouse Arts Foundation York County Historical Museum

* As reported to VAM, FY2015

Thank you Benefactors!

Eric App Paige Backus Barbara Batson Leighann Boland Jamie Bosket Bruce Boucher Mikell Brown Gretchen Bulova Norman Burns

Margo Carlock Roger Courtenay Karen Daly Audrey Davis Delores Davis Elizabeth Davison Diane Dunkley Richard Gillespie Tracy Gillespie

Linda Gouaze Charles Grant Douglas Harvey Michael Henry Anna Holloway William Kelly Twyla Kitts Mary LaGue Melanie Mathewes

Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

Melissa Mullins Jeanne Niccolls Jeffrey Nichols Robin Nicholson William Obrochta Robert Orrison Nancy Perry Robin Reed Kym Rice

Gary Sandling Alvin Schweizer Scott Stroh Robert Vaughan John Verrill Dale Wheary Sarah Whiting Charlotte Whitted

9

2014 - 2015 Annual Report, Continued Statement of Financial Position *Modified Cash Basis

Assets

FY2014 FY2015

Current Assets

Cash & cash equivalents $57,598 $64,076 Investments, at fair value $146,207 $145,613

Total Assets

$203,805 $209,689

VAM is grateful to have significant volunteer support. We estimate the value of volunteer services for FY2015 to be $94,000. Volunteer activities include the tireless work of our Governing Council, committees, and the many volunteers How its Money who VAM makeSpends our Annual Conference possible each year. Thank you to all our loyal Programs FundraisingCouncil members at the VAM office helping volunteers!Administration Pictured: Governing $245,051for 2015 $59,293 prepare Virginia$6,223 Museum Advocacy Day.

Liabilities Payroll Liabilities

Net Assets

$258

How VAM Spends its Money

$424

Who Comes to the Conference?

Unrestricted $193,645 24 Temporarily Restricted $9,902

Director

Ed/Interpreter

24

Collections

20

Consultant Total Net Assets

$196,487 $12,778

19%

Administration

6 $203,547 $209,265

PR/Marketing

4

Student

6

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

Development

Programs

2%

79%

Fundraising

3 $203,805 $209,689

Unaffiliated

5

Business

8

Other

9

Who Comes to the Conference?

Other Business Unaffiliated Development Student PR/Marketing Consultant Collections Ed/Interpreter Director

A Snapshot of VAM Program Reach FY2015 Program

Reach

Virginia Museum Advocacy Day (in partnership with Virginia Foundation for the Humanities)

35 VAM / VFH participated and met with 70 representatives and staff from the general assembly

Virginia Certificate in Museum Management Annual Workshop Series Virginia's Top 10 Endangered Artifacts 2015 Annual Conference 2015 Scholarship Reception 0

10

20

30

2015 Historic House Forum

115 students 236 attendees 36 sites participated; ~30,000 public votes cast; 50 press clippings 321 registrants 79 participants (our highest ever attendance!)

81 participants (a sold-out event)

The Virginia Association of Museums adopted a new vision statement in FY2015. We look forward to working toward this vision in FY2016:

A united museum community inspiring the world around us.

10

An Open Letter to Our Members An Open Letter to Our Members Dear VAM Member,

Dear VAM Member,

Because of the support, involvement, andand loyalty of our members, the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) is the Because of the support, involvement, loyalty of valued our valued members, the Virginia Association of Museums finest and largest state museum association in the nation. Our goal is to always meet the needs of our members, and work (VAM) is the finest and largest state museum association in the nation. Our goal is to always meet the needs of our toward our vision: A united museum community inspiring the world around us. members, and work toward our vision: A united museum community inspiring the world around us.

To more effectively serve our community, including the staff, volunteers, and board members at Virginia’s museums, VAM has To more effectively serve our community, including the staff, volunteers, and board members at Virginia’s redesigned our membership program. Beginning in December, 2015, every staff person, volunteer, or board member involved museums, VAM has redesigned our membership program. Beginning in December, 2015, every staff person, in VAM member museums will enjoy full VAM membership benefits. volunteer, or board member involved in VAM member museums will enjoy full VAM membership benefits.

As valued members, everyone associated withmember our member museums willfree have or discounted access As valued VAMVAM members, everyone associated with our museums will have orfree discounted access to: to:

• • • • • • •

• •

Virginia Certificate in Museum Management program Annual Virginia Certificate in Museum Management Conference registration program Professional development workshops Career Annual Conference support throughregistration VAM VAMProfessional development workshops Voice quarterly museum news magazine Legislative Career support through VAM alerts Virginia VAMMuseum Voice quarterly museum news magazine Advocacy Day and Museums Advocacy Day AAM’s Legislative alerts job board VAMVirginia Museum Advocacy Day and AAM’s UseMuseums of the VAM logo to show Advocacy Day that you are a part dynamic museum community of our VAM job board

Museum Budget All-volunteer; < $ 25,000 $ 25,001 - $ 100,000 $ 100,001 - $ 250,000 $ 250,001 - $ 500,000 $ 500,001 - $ 1,000,000 $ 1,000,001 - $ 2,500,000 $ 2,500,001 - $ 4,000,000 Over $ 4,000,000

Membership Fee $ 50 $ 150 $ 225 $ 300 $ 500 $ 650 $ 850 $ 1,100

 Use of the VAM logo to show that you are a part of this dynamic museum community Plus, access the following through our affiliates:

• •

Plus, the following through our affiliates: plans through Optima Health Health Health plans through Optima Health Banking services through Langley Federal Credit Union  Banking services through Langley Federal Credit Union

For museums wishing to demonstrate an even higher level of commitment to your Virginia museum community, we have For museums wishing to demonstrate an even higher level of commitment to your Virginia museum community, created the Leadership museum membership. At $2,500, this level of commitment as a Leadership member allows VAM to we have created the Leadership museum membership. At $2,500, this level of commitment as a Leadership continue providing free membership to any student wishing to engage with our museum community. Leadership members member allows VAM to continue providing free membership to any student wishing to engage with our museum are recognized on our website, in our annual report, and at our annual conference. Consider paying it forward today. community. Leadership members are recognized on our website, in our annual report, and at our annual conference. Consider paying it forward today.

As always, if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 804.358.3170.

As always, if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 804.358.3170.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

Jennifer

Jennifer Jennifer Thomas Jennifer Thomas Executive Director Executive Director Virginia Association of Museums Virginia Association of Museums

Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

Program Updates

As such, a VAM member museum will be providing professional development, career services, and professional resources As such, a VAM member museum will be providing professional development, career services, and professional for everyone associated with the museum simply by maintaining one membership. All of these benefits are included in one resources for everyone associated with the museum simply by maintaining one membership. All of these benefits annual museum membership fee, which VAM continues to base upon museum budget. These new dues levels will be in are included in one membership fee, which continues upon museum budget. place the next time youannual are setmuseum to renew, so we can provide thisVAM additional leveltoofbase service.

11

Book Review

The Small Big: Small Changes that Spark Big Influence, by Steve J. Martin, Noah Goldstein, and Robert Cialdini

by Jennifer Thomas “When it comes to influencing the behaviors of others, it is often the smallest changes in approach that make the biggest differences.”

(The Small Big, page xiv).

This quote summarizes the entire approach of this book. It was this quote, in fact, that first led me to pick up this book and peruse it. After all, small changes I can handle; it is the big ones that are hard to implement or afford. I wasn’t sure if I would find anything that would apply to my life or position—the authors are all professors or psychologists, and none have any nonprofit experience.

Chapter one proved me wrong. The book is designed in 52 bite-sized chapters, each laid out to prove a specific point about persuasion science, and each illustrating that point with scientific experiments and statistics. While the examples the authors used to prove their point, in most cases, were applied to business problems, the results were amazing, and it was remarkably easy to see how the technique they discussed could be adapted to any nonprofit.

While I will admit that some of the chapters left me with no real tool to put to use in my own day to day job, I found all of the examples they chose fascinating. The fact that such small differences in the wording of a letter, or the placement of an object, could lead to huge changes in behavior on the part of clients or donors, would be hard to believe if it weren’t for the very specific scientific studies and statistics the authors used for illustration.

In general, this would be a good read for any administrator, marketing director, or development officer. Don’t expect to come away with 52 tools and tips you can use, because some chapters just don’t apply, but have your highlighter handy—you will definitely learn something, and enjoy the stories while you’re doing so. If you have a business flight coming up, pick up this book—it is a perfect read for travel: easy to digest in pieces, and not written in scholarly language--so if you get interrupted by the phone or the flight attendant you won’t have to start the paragraph over again

to understand what the authors are trying to get across. d

The Small Big will be the focus of our Leadership Program at the 2016 Annual Conference. Read the book and plan to join us for a lively conversation about some of the techniques you can adapt to improve the effectiveness of your communication!

The Small Big: Small Changes that Spark Big Influence, by Steve J. Martin, Noah Goldstein, and Robert Cialdini.

2014: Grand Central Publishing, New York.

Available on Amazon.com for $22.

To read the introduction to the book at no charge, visit www.thesmallbig.com, and click on “Start Reading Now.”

VAM would like to thank Riggs Ward for their support of Virginia’s museums.

EXHIBITS | PLANNING | RESEARCH | GRAPHICS | A/V MEDIA

Exhibit: “EYE ON THE CAPITOL”

Nov 21–Mar 13 | Tickets: 804.340.1405 | www.VMFA.museum This exhibition is organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Musée Rodin, Paris. The Banner Exhibition Program at VMFA is supported by the Julia Louise Reynolds Fund.

IMAGE: Auguste Rodin (1840 –1917), The Thinker, large version (detail),1903, patinated plaster for bronze casting, 72 in. high, Paris, Musée Rodin. © Musée Rodin (photo Christian Baraja) PRESENTED BY

VMFA-RODIN-VAM-3.5x4.5_FIN.indd 1

12

10/22/15 11:34 AM

VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL

RIGGSWARD.COM 804 . 254 .1740

VISITOR CENTER

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to Explore Causes, Impact, Meaning of the Revolution by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation new star in the constellation of American Revolution sites in Virginia is about to emerge. The Yorktown Victory Center, located in the town where America’s independence was won on the battlefield in 1781, is in the final stages of a transformation, becoming the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in late 2016. The new museum will offer a truly national perspective, conveying a sense of the epic scale of the American Revolution and the richness and complexity of the nation’s revolutionary heritage.

A

The Yorktown Victory Center opened in 1976 as one of three Virginia visitor centers for the Bicentennial of the American Revolution. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the state agency that operates the Yorktown Victory Center and Jamestown Settlement, implemented structural and exhibit improvements in the 1990s, broadening the museum’s focus to encompass the entire Revolution.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is the realization of a master plan adopted in 2007. The plan called for replacing

the 1976 facility, with the new building positioned on the 22-acre site to allow for continued operation throughout construction, and repositioning and reconstructing the encampment and farm. An important component of the new building is an education center, with five classrooms and a separate entrance to serve student groups and the general public with dynamic, interactive learning experiences.

New Exhibits Will Dazzle, Inform Liberty Fever, debuting in the museum theater in late 2016, will introduce visitors to the world of Revolutionary America. The film will

Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

be narrated by an early 19th-century storyteller who has traveled the country gathering stories about the American Revolution and shares his accounts using a moving panorama presentation of the time period.

The permanent exhibition galleries will engage visitors in the tumult, drama and promise of the Revolution through period artifacts and immersive environments, dioramas, interactive exhibits and video presentations. Among the 500 artifacts to be exhibited are several highly significant recent acquisitions by the Jamestown-York-

Member Profile

A new 80,000-square-foot building opened in March 2015, and work continues on permanent gallery exhibits and a new introductory film. Today visitors can enjoy showings of Revolution-theme films in the 170-seat theater and a preview of the future exhibits, as well as an expansive new gift shop and a cafe. An indoor illustrated timeline spanning the second half of the 18th century leads to the outdoor re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm, located in temporary quarters as construction proceeds on new settings for these living-history experiences.

Continuing a Revolutionary Tradition

town Foundation. These include a Declaration of Independence broadside dating to July 1776; a June 1776 Philadelphia printing of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, one of the inspirations for the U.S. Declaration of Independence; a coronation portrait of King George III from the studio of Allan Ramsay; one of the two earliest known portraits done from life of an African who had been enslaved in 13 original colonies; and an extremely rare southern American long rifle probably dating to the French and Indian War period.

The galleries will present five major themes:

13

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown continued from page 13 The British Empire and America examines the geography, demography, culture and economy of America prior to the Revolution and the political relationship with Britain. The Changing Relationship – Britain and North America chronicles the growing rift between the American colonies and Britain. Within a full-scale wharf setting, issues of taxation and importation are brought into focus.

Revolution traces the war from the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 to victory at Yorktown in 1781 and the aftermath. An experiential theater will transport visitors to the Yorktown battlefield in 1781, with wind, smoke and the thunder of cannon fire. The wartime homefront will be portrayed in three-dimensional settings that provide a backdrop for the stories of diverse Americans – Patriots and Loyalists, women, and enslaved and free African Americans. The New Nation outlines the challenges faced by the United States in the 1780s – weak government under the Articles of Confederation, the unstable postwar economy and new social tensions – culminating with the creation of the Constitution as a framework for the future. The American People explores the emergence of a

new national identity following the Revolution – influenced by immigration, internal migration, and demographic, political and social changes. This section shows how the nation’s struggle for independence impacted not just America, but the world.

Visitors Will Interact with Historical Interpreters in New Outdoor Settings The Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm are undergoing reconstruction and enhancement to support the gallery storylines and expand capacity for visitor-participatory demonstrations. The encampment, which represents a portion of an American regiment and includes soldiers’ tents and officers’, surgeon’s and quartermaster’s quarters, is adding a drill field and an artillery demonstration area with tiered seating.

Located just beyond the encampment, the new farm site will feature a larger house, kitchen and tobacco barn and a new building representing quarters for enslaved people, along with crop fields, kitchen garden and orchard. A specific 18th-century York County family has been identified to serve as a frame of reference for historical interpretation.

Planning, building and exhibit construction, and renovations to the site, including living-history areas, are funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Major components of the project total approximately $50 million. Private donations to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Campaign for Support are funding elements of gallery and outdoor exhibits, including artifact acquisitions, and educational resources.

To learn more about the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation museums and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, visit www.historyisfun.org. d Photos, from top left: A view of the new museum buildings shows the education center and main entrances with flags of the 13 original states waving in the foreground. A 20th-century copy of Winged Victory is a prominent feature of the new entrance lobby. A timeline of the American Revolution begins with the 1750s and continues through the 1790s. “The Changing Relationship – Britain and North America” section of the new galleries is depicted in an artist’s rendering. An experiential theater in the exhibition galleries will transport visitors to the Battle of the Capes and Siege of Yorktown in 1781. Artist’s rendering of the reconstructed Revolution-era farm. Photos courtesy of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

VAM would like to thank The Curtis Group for their support of Virginia’s museums.

Our mission is helping you meet yours.

We’ll be there for you. With you. Working alongside you to plan your future, build awareness and raise substantial amounts of money.

Since 1989, The Curtis Group has promoted philanthropy and provided personalized development services to nonprofits. Visit our website to learn more.

757.496.2224 www.curtisgroupconsultants.com Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is one of the 150+ nonprofits we have served across the Mid-Atlantic.

14

VAM would like to thank the University of Richmond for their support of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s museums.

Sometimes you have to go back to get ahead.

As jobs requiring advanced degrees continue to increase, investing in your education is more critical than ever.

Our degree programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, balancing academic rigor with flexibility and value. Students attend part time in the evening at a pace that supports their other life commitments.

As an added value (and surprise to many), our tuition ranks among the most competitive in Richmond.

Graduate tuition is just $560 per semester hour. Plus financial aid is available for those who qualify.

spcs.richmond.edu/degrees

EXPLORE OUR NEWEST GRADUATE DEGREES IN NONPROFIT STUDIES & PUBLIC HISTORY Wi nte r 2 0 1 5

15

President’s Corner

Dear Members & Friends, Let me start by offering my best wishes to all of you, and your families, for a very meaningful and family-oriented holiday season. We all have had a very busy year; please take some time to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.

At VAM, we strive to be the best museum association in the country. We are very excited and proud to be able to lift the curtain on a program to bring more VAM access to the entire museum community. Our new museum membership structure allows all who work in our member museums to take full advantage of VAM membership.

We felt this was in keeping with our mission and something we can do for the many committed and hard working people in the museum community. Please see the Open Letter to VAM Members on page 11 for more details on our new museum membership structure. We hope it will not only excite the community but also bring value to all of us who work hard each day to bring our museums to life for our visitors. Please provide us with feedback as we roll out this new initiative.

Museums have a large and sometimes hard to define impact within our local communities. VCU and Preservation Virginia, with guidance and assistance from VAM, are currently researching the economic impact of heritage tourism - the third in this group of economic impact surveys. Refer to the lead article to learn more about all three phases of the research. As museum leaders, we should not be shy about explaining what we do in our neighborhoods, no matter how far our “reach” is. Stay tuned for the full results of Phase III of the research on the

economic impact of heritage tourism in Virginia, available in 2016.

Looking forward, you’ll want to save the date for our sixth annual Virginia Museums Advocacy Day, coming January 16th.

Held each year in partnership with Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, it is your opportunity to learn about and practice advocacy in a non-threatening and fun environment. Make sure your legislators learn about the hard work being done at your museum and all that it has to offer your community. Join us as we work together to promote awareness!

Finally, we are preparing for the Annual Conference this March 12th - 15th. A Revolution in Traditions is our theme, and the sessions, events, and networking opportunities will be second to none in historic Williamsburg. Jennifer Thomas has prepared a book review of The Small Big. This book will act as the springboard for discussions during our annual Leadership Forum, held during the conference. We hope you opt to join us at the Leadership Forum for this lively discussion. We’ll also be visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown during one of our conference evening events; you can read all about the goings-on there in the Member Profile article.

On behalf of the Governing Council and VAM staff, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and all the best in the New Year.

See you in Williamsburg!

Sincerely,

Al Al Schweizer President Virginia Association of Museums

Save the Date - VAM’s 2016 Annual Conference will be in Williamsburg March 12th - 15th. Join us!