2021 Conference
Click here to download a .pdf of the final program.
Click here to download a .pdf of the preliminary program.
Session Updates:
Monday, November 15
Curators PAG Lunch
12:30-1:15 pm
Join your fellow curators for a discussion on getting unstuck. You can come prepared to describe a museum problem you’re stuck on, like a thorny exhibit problem or research that’s at a dead end. Or, just participate in brainstorming solutions or sharing resources for getting unstuck.
PAG Chairs: Tiffini Bowers, Head, Exhibitions & Engagement and Curator for Visual and Ephemeral Collections, John Hay Library, Brown University, RI; Tegan Kehoe, Exhibit and Education Specialist, Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation, MA
Build (Your Community) Back Better: Using museum practices for community and urban planning.
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Looking for a potential partnership to shape the long-range future of your community? Not just its aesthetic or educational future, but its housing, transportation, equity, and climate resiliency? That (and more) is the responsibility of your local planner. Get a quick introduction to planning, then hear about museum-planner partnerships that have mitigated urban heat islands, fostered pro-social behavior in public plazas, and more. Learn ways any museum can help its community plan a better future.
Speakers: Jane Buxton, University of Rhode Island; Brad Larson, Brad Larson Media, Inc.; Betsy Loring, expLoring Exhibits and Engagement
Wednesday, November 17
Academic PAG Lunch
12:30-1:15 pm
Over the past two years, the effects of the Covid pandemic on academic museums and galleries have been particularly complicated, as we’ve navigated the needs of our diverse constituencies — both academic and public — alongside shifting campus and institutional policies. Join PAG co-chairs for a casual lunch to connect with fellow academic museum workers to compare notes: share the progress you’ve made, and the challenges you’re facing this academic year. Now that we’re (mostly) open for business again, what are the lessons learned from the past year, and what new adjustments are you still making in this ever-changing landscape?
PAG Chairs: Deborah W. Disston, Director, McIninch Art Gallery, Southern New Hampshire University; Meredith Fluke, Director, Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, College of the Holy Cross, MA
Friday, November 19
(NEW DATE AND TIME)
Think Tank: Museums & Their Climate Change Impact
9:30 - 10:30 am
In 2019 the NEMA Conference presented a think tank session to examine how museums were dealing with issues around global climate change. Well, a lot has happened since then: more frequent and severe weather events, greater awareness of the existential threat of climate on collections and facilities, and even NEMA’s recently-announced IMLS National Leadership Grant to measure climate impact in the museum sector. Join us for an update and bring your ideas!
Facilitator: Dan Yaeger, Executive Director, New England Museum Association, MA
NEMA Conference Preview
Need a refresher on the Whova app, or want to test your access to the conference platform? Join NEMA on November 8 at 4 pm for tips to make the most of your virtual conference experience. RSVP here.
NEMA Conference Preview - Speakers and Facilitators
Conference facilitators and speakers are also invited to attend a special training sessions. These sessions will answer any questions you might have about presenting your upcoming conference session. We will also be going over the conference platform, Whova.
Film Screenings and Meetings
Tuesday, November 16
10:00 – 10:30 am
Coffee Meet and Greet with the NEMA Board
Join us for an informal meet and greet with NEMA board members. Get to know our board members, find out what motivates them, and how they contribute to NEMA. What are their backgrounds? What are their interests? What kind of coffee is their favorite? What motivates them to work with NEMA? Bring your questions and sit down with your favorite hot beverage for a pleasant and enlightening conversation. Click here to RSVP.
Tuesday, November 16
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Borderland: The Life & Times of Blanche Ames Ames Film Screening
Join us for a screening of Borderland: The Life and Times of Blanche Ames Ames. This film is a deep dive into the fascinating life of Ames and her quest for voter rights and women’s equality. It ties the struggles of her era to today’s political climate where there is much work to be done. The screening will include a post-screening Q&A discussion. Click here to RSVP.
Thursday, November 18
2:00 – 3:00 pm
GEMM Meet-Up
What does gender equity in the museum field mean in 2021? Come be part of a conversation with GEMM Steering Committee members Marieke Van Damme and Scarlett Hoey as we have an informal conversation about gender equity, the pandemic, and the museum field. Share your story and experience with others. Strategize on how we can increase equity and inclusivity in museums. Active participation is encouraged and we will be utilizing jamboards for some big picture brainstorming. Click here to RSVP.
Thursday, November 18
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Sweetheart Dancers Film Screening
DER invites you to the virtual screening of our newly released film, Sweetheart Dancers (13 minutes, 2019). Indigenous dancers Sean and Adrian challenge the rulebook of San Manuel's Native American Sweetheart Special as they attempt to compete in the annual couple's competition. The film will be available for conference attendees and members during the NEMA 2021 Conference. Q&A with the film’s director and cast will be hosted online. Click here to RSVP.
Friday, November 19
12:30 – 1:15 pm
2021 Annual Meeting
All NEMA members are invited to attend the 2021 Annual Meeting. Click here to RSVP.
Session Submission Forms
Wednesday, November 16
Ask an HR Professional
Submit your HR question here.
Friday, November 19
Museums & Unions: Q&A
Submit your question here.