Emergency Preparedness for Museums

Are you prepared for a disaster?  Imagine what you would do if you had warning of an impending tornado, flood or earthquake.  What would you do to protect your home and household furnishings? Would you be able to save your family's treasures?   Imagine the same events, but now you are responsible for the history of a nation or the art of a thousand years.  Should we put some plywood on the windows, stack some sandbags, and hope for the best?

For the last several years I have been part of many conversations regarding the preparedness of museums for disaster.  Usually we discuss how to prevent damage and what to do if the worst happens.  These questions are being asked in every museum around the world, and there are more questions then there are answers.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to post videos that address preparedness and recovery for museum collections.  Please let me know what you think about the series.  If you have any suggestions or advice I would be happy to post it here.



~ Joe

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Mysteries At The Museum Sneak Peek: The Dymaxion House

Museums are usually some of the first adapters of new technology. I am constantly amazed at the ways they find to use the latest technology.  Most of this technology becomes part of our everyday lives over time, but  what has me baffled is why we overlook some ideas that might change or lives for the better.  Take a look at the video I have included in this posting.  You will see a preview of a story about the Dymaxion House displayed at the Henry Ford Museum outside of Detroit.  This technology was actually developed in the 20's.  What kept this technology from hitting the market?  Was it timing, costs, poor marketing, no marketing, lack of funds to develop the idea? Why aren't we all using O-Volving shelves?




~ Joe

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Have you been to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?

I spend a lot of time in museums.  I have my favorite art museum, and I love history museums, and I have always been fascinated at science museums.  I find myself being drawn to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum over and over because it continues to move me every time I visit.

Don't visit the Holocaust Museum to learn history, see art, or for a better understanding of our world.  The fact is that you may do all of these things when you visit, but you will be moved.  This museum will move you, and it may even change you a little.




~ Joe

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Have you ever had to move a Suit of Armor?

What are some of the most unusual things we have moved?

Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight at the DuSable Museum

The Smithsonian's traveling exhibition Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight opens at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago on July 2nd.  It will be on display at the museum until September 25.

"The content of the exhibition is based on the newly published book of the same title by National Air and Space Museum curator, Von Hardesty. The show will cover significant figures, events, and themes associated with African Americans in aviation and aerospace history."


Black Wings


~ Joe


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Rebecca Clark ~ Bee Lines

My friend Rebecca Clark has her exhibition "Bee Lines" opening at the Hillyer Art Space in Washington, DC.  Becky is the  Senior Registrar, Art in Embassies Program for the US. Department of State.  Her exhibition opens June 3rd and runs through the 24th.


The Hillyer Art Space is located at: 9 Hillyer Court NW, Washington,DC  20008.


Rebecca Clark: Bee Lines


"I draw inspiration from the natural world of my backyard.  By observing the insects, animals, and plant life of this tiny ecosystem, I become engaged with the timeless rhythms and patterns of the earth and am reminded of my own place in the natural world.  The drawings I make pay respect to this intimate universe that we share."




Becky also has pieces on exhibition at the Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mill, Maryland through July 30th.

~ Joe

The 22nd Annual MUSE Awards

The AAM Media and Technology Committee presents the 22nd Annual MUSE awards Sunday night in Houston.

These awards recognize outstanding achievement in museum media.  Presented to institutions or independent producers which use digital media to enhance the museum experience and engage new audiences, the MUSE awards celebrate scholarship, innovation, creativity and inclusively.

This event will be held at the Hilton Americas, Lanier Ballroom from 6:00 to 8:00 PM , and is open to all attendees.

To register for this event or to get more information go to AAM 2011

~ Joe