Small Museum Association Conference 2025

With a staff of just twelve year-round staff members comprising departments of one, collaboration with colleagues and community partners make it possible for the Antique Boat Museum (ABM) to host 20+ different education programs on and off the water for all ages as well as plan, produce, and install seven new exhibits on a minimal budget. ABM’s Educator Molly Voth and Curator/Collections Manager Caitlin Playle will share some of their collaborations, big and small, and tips and tricks for successful results. There will be an opportunity for attendees to swap tips and tricks at the end.

In this workshop, staff from the Rosenbach Museum & Library, Alexander Ames, the Director of Outreach & Engagement and Emilie Parker, the Director of Education, with their combined 25 years of experience at the Rosenbach,  will introduce a process for the development and implementation of innovative projects, one that will save time and energy in the long run and can help clear the way for successful innovation in the future.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start a collection? Hear from the founding director of Springsong Museum, a new museum in Silver Spring, Maryland, about the process of shaping what the future of the permanent collection will look like. Next hear from Angie Barry and Ashley Williams, the first curator and current curator of the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum in Quincy, Florida, who helped build the collection and the plans for the future.

The John Rivers Communication Museum at the College of Charleston housed a significant collection of communication technology artifacts, but fell into disrepair due to funding issues and lack of organizational oversight. In 2020, archival staff at the College were asked to create a new exhibit, reimagining the museum’s legacy. This presentation will explore the museum’s history, the new exhibit's creation, and how overcoming major challenges can lead to professional growth.

With a small staff of one, collaboration is essential for the Pasto Agricultural Museum to achieve its goals. Located nine miles from Penn State's main campus on one of the College of Agricultural Sciences research farms, the Museum relies on partnerships to create impactful programs. In 2024, we launched a multi-stakeholder initiative, engaging high school students and teachers with content developed by pre-service undergraduate teachers, who will work alongside researchers to bring cutting-edge science to life through hands-on activities and presentations.