-Anne C. Morgan, Head Curator
This week I went to the
Society of American Archivists national convention, held this year in Cleveland. I had the honor of being a part of a panel discussion on nontraditional outreach in archives and museums and how institutions of any size could reach new audiences through creative programs.
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| Cleveland Convention Center, home of SAA 2015 |
In my case, I talked about the IVDM's Coiled Clay Art Program. As our signature program, we have done it so often the staff doesn't think of it as 'outreach'- just fun. But one of the big questions we asked on this panel was: "If you're not having fun, why would anyone else?" Each of us explored the idea that outreach events should be fun and engaging as well as educational. Being unique and going beyond the walls of our institutions means that we reach wider audiences and interest them in different ways. Through the fairs, festivals, and field trips the Museum has done, I know we've met many people we might not otherwise have gotten the chance to talk to, and introduced many kids to the idea that museums can be fun.
Between 125-150 people attended our session, and we were thrilled by the many interesting and insightful questions asked after the talk. Clearly a lot of people were already starting to think about what new and exciting programs they could start at their own institutions. We were also surprised and flattered by the amount of positive feedback we got after our talk. It was very encouraging to a group of young professionals giving their first large conference presentation! If you follow the Museum on Twitter ( @IVDesertMuseum) you saw some of the lovely comments people tweeted about our session:
"Just saw a fabulous session on outreach. Thanks to the panelists on #s303 #saa15!"
It was a wonderful experience for me as a young archival professional, and a great spotlight for the IVDM on the national stage.
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| Caitlin, Anne, Jessica, Kelsey, & Caitlin, celebrating a presentation well done! |
This week I went to the Society of American Archivists national convention, held this year in Cleveland. I had the honor of being a part of a panel discussion on nontraditional outreach in archives and museums and how institutions of any size could reach new audiences through creative programs. 
Between 125-150 people attended our session, and we were thrilled by the many interesting and insightful questions asked after the talk. Clearly a lot of people were already starting to think about what new and exciting programs they could start at their own institutions. We were also surprised and flattered by the amount of positive feedback we got after our talk. It was very encouraging to a group of young professionals giving their first large conference presentation! If you follow the Museum on Twitter ( @IVDesertMuseum) you saw some of the lovely comments people tweeted about our session: "Just saw a fabulous session on outreach. Thanks to the panelists on #s303 #saa15!"
It has been quite a busy week out at the museum! Weldon
Exhibits has been out all week installing the rest of phase 1 and phase 2 of our permanent exhibit. Our
Lake Cahuilla Diorama has received its new floor treatment, our visible storage
has received its glass case, our ceramics video is up and running, and we have received
our Habitats In Flux and our Power of the Land exhibits. It is so exciting to
see the museum come together. Everyone here at the museum is happy to see all of this activity, and to see the museum's dreams come true. 
