This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember you. We use this information in order to improve and customize your browsing experience and for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy.
On occasion, I use this space to comment on norms and practices that I feel do active harm to our sector and our peers. (See, for example, my short rant on “quiet quitting” and the …
In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic upended the world for Americans and American museums, my job shifted from focusing on the far future to the immediate present. As museum leaders …
Over the past month I’ve been immersed in conversations with directors, staff, independent professionals, funders, and association staff, all trying to find a way forward in the face of the …
The past few weeks have many of us feeling uncertain about the future. I’m writing to remind you of an opportunity to reduce some of that uncertainty with cold, hard facts. Since 2020, AAM …
In recent weeks, museum leaders have often been forced to make decisions on the fly, in advance of crafting a comprehensive (or even a tentative) plan for coping with the current tsunami of …
One major theme of this year’s TrendsWatch report is the inherent fragility of digital records, tools, and services, and the need to plan for the long-term costs of keeping these assets …
The executive orders issued over the past week are having profound effects on people, communities, and organizations. While we can’t yet quantify the impact on our field, it’s clear that …
The new edition of TrendsWatch is available first to AAM members as the January/February 2025 issue of Museum magazine. Become a member today for immediate access to the digital …
Many pundits are warning that our current version of democracy itself may be in danger, and research suggests the public may agree. If so, what’s next? How can we expand our thinking, …
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been studying a variety of forecasts to prepare for the coming year. The most useful sources are people whose views on a given topic are informed by …
According to Edison Research, about 100 million Americans listen to at least one podcast every week, and regular podcast listeners average a bit over 8 episodes a week. Full confession: …
Today AAM published a collection of fifteen papers exploring the next horizon of museum practice with regard to voluntary repatriation, restitution, and reparations. This is your invitation …
Advocacy Alert – April 28, 2025 In this Alliance Advocacy Alert: Upcoming Advocacy Activities Are you attending the 2025 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo? Learn about and connect …
In 2018 I published a scenario titled “Wild Times” set in a version of 2040 in which museums lost their nonprofit status due to a combination of political attacks, economic stress, and a …
This recorded webinar on how to make the most of your in-person conference experience through Connection, Community, Collaboration, and Content. Learn practical strategies to engage …
Subscribe to Field Notes!
Packed with stories and insights for museum people, Field Notes is delivered to your inbox every Monday. Once you've completed the form below, confirm your subscription in the email sent to you.
If you are a current AAM member, please sign-up using the email address associated with your account.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription, and please add communications@aam-us.org to your safe sender list.