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Crowdsourcing a Database of Permanent Museum Closings
Due to the independent nature of the nonprofit sector in the US, there no comprehensive way to track museum openings or closings (much less arrive at a definitive head count of museums at any given time). This is of particular concern as … -
Mapping Uncertainty in 2021
I have been wishing everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR (in all caps) because I am so relieved to see the backside of 2020. But “better than last year” is a very low bar indeed, and we face many very hard months ahead. That being so, my focus this … -
Ten Uplifting Museum Stories of 2020
This year my scanning feeds were clogged with relentlessly depressing news. My heart was eased, however, by the way that museums rose to the challenges posed by 2020. Here are a dozen stories of how museums helped their communities and … -
A Pandemic Time Capsule and Tools for 2021
This blog has become an incidental time capsule of 2020, a monthly record of how the museum sector responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, when the first of the posts featured below was published, the US had 1,700 reported cases—that … -
Game Plan Call for Applications! Professional Development for Museum Educators
In 2008, Dr. Jane McGonigal delivered the inaugural lecture for the new Center for the Future of Museums. McGonigal, who is both a professional futurist AND a ludologist, made the case that museums could learn a lot from games design. (AAM … -
Tales from Campus: Oxy Arts
One of the risks posed by the pandemic is that the public health imperative for social distance might discourage activism and engagement just when it is needed most. In this guest post, Frankie Fleming, Manager of Education and Community … -
The Museum of Future History: An Antidote To Chronological Squatting
Those of you who follow my writing may be aware of my passion about the need to decolonize the future. I believe museums can play a vital role in helping the public be better stewards of the world we leave to future generations. Today’s … -
Museums as First Responders: Museum of Homelessness
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed gaping holes in the systems that should shield communities from harm. Patching the frayed social safety net will require government, private, and non-profit sectors to work together, going beyond their … -
Digital Tools for Pandemic Times
Almost all US museums closed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. While a few reopened by summer, many decided to remain shuttered for the entire year, and often for these museums the only way to engage with the … -
Tales from Campus: Connecting Community in the Time of COVID
What’s it like to be an undergrad this year? The social experience of college is as important as the academic content, but many students are attending class online from their dorm rooms, and most social groups and events are on hold. In …
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Latest Stories from AAM
How Museums Can Resist Censorship
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Center for the Future of Museums Blog
As the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) points out, “every generation of …
The Audience Engagement Tool Hiding in Plain Sight
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Alliance Blog
Museum marketing and communications teams face a familiar challenge in a cultural …
August Advocacy Alert: Save the Date Museums Advocacy Day 2027, Take Action, Appropriations, and more
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Advocacy Alert
Advocacy Alert – July 31, 2026 In this Alliance Advocacy Alert: Webinar: What It’s Like …