Historic House Museums Issues and Operations

April 24-25, 2014

Haas-Lilienthal House, San Francisco, CA

Why are historic houses necessary to their communities? How are historic house museums unique? 

During lively group discussions and activities, participants will explore management, collection, and interpretation issues to answer these questions.

Participants will become familiar with interpretive themes, storylines, and plans. They will also take part in an interpretive exercise focused on designing more exciting house tours.

Other topics include marketing, volunteers, earned income, membership programs, and care of buildings and landscapes.

Who Should Attend: This workshop is targeted to first-time directors, new and mid-career professionals, and dedicated volunteers who are involved in historic house museums.

Faculty:Max van Balgooy is the Principal for Engaging Places, LLC in Maryland. Bethany Hawkins is the Program Manager for the American Association for State and Local History.

StEPs Connections: This workshop may help institutions achieve the standards in the Mission, Vision, and Governance; Audience; Interpretation, Stewardship of Historic Structures and Landscapes; and Management sections of AASLH’s StEPsprogram.

What Participants Said: “The ‘notebook’ of articles is a great idea and a tangible helper to take back with us. The faculty’s experiences were invaluable–they will be a great resource, too!” “The most helpful part was seeing institutions’ actual documents (Ramsey House/Drayton Hall/Homestead Museum).” “The enthusiasm & varied backgrounds of the participants was helpful.” “As a volunteer–gave me a realistic view of the job description of our curators, staff & us as volunteers.” “Well done!”