Leading Forward: Shaping the Future of Your Historic Site

A working meeting organized by the American Alliance of Museums and its Historic Houses and Sites Network. Co-hosted by George Washington's Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association.

Join us at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, located in Alexandria, Virginia, for the first American Alliance of Museums, Historic House and Sites Network Summit entitled, Leading Forward: Shaping the future of your historic site.

In an effort to connect leaders of historic sites with relevant and accessible topics that drive everyday decision-making at their museums, AAM's Historic House and Sites Professional Network will convene thought leaders, experts in the field, and you to discuss the challenges you face in your everyday practice. Leadership will be the overarching topic for the inaugural Summit to be held at Mount Vernon, the historic estate of our George Washington.

Each day will begin with a thought-provoking keynote speaker to spark subsequent breakout discussions. Case Study presentations will follow with opportunities throughout each day for discussion and dialog, networking with colleagues, touring the estate, and brainstorming the future of your historic site. We encourage you to attend both days if possible to gain the most from the summit.

Outcomes we will produce from the meeting:

• Challenges faced by historic house and sites in their day-to-day practice to inform discussion and future resources
• Enhanced networking and connection with leading colleagues from historic sites around the US
• An opportunity to discuss and reflect on the challenges that require innovative leadership

Who Should Attend:

The event is open to all museum professionals and any others with an interest in the topic area.
If you have any questions about registering or need assistance accessing your account please contact
registration@aam-us.org or call (866) 226-2150.

Schedule at a Glance:

Friday, March 23
8:30 am– 5:30 pm Program
Keynote
Leadership, Legacy and enduring Lessons of George Washington
Douglas Bradburn, President and CEO, George Washington's Mount Vernon

Sessions include:
Preservation, Curation and the Collections at Mount Vernon
Appealing to History Aficionados Rather than History Fans
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Wine, play Be Washington and enjoy private evening tours

Saturday, March 24
8:30 am – 5:15 pm Program
Keynote
Pivot Point: Getting Ready to Engage Complex and Controversial Topics
Sean Kelley, Senior Vice President, Director of Interpretation, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site

Sessions include:
Striking a balance, respectful and relevant programming in your historic core.
Staying relevant while preserving history.
Teaching Andrew Jackson: Using SWOT Analysis to Bring Context to Controversy.