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August 26, 2010
 Smithsonian merchandise corner at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Looking for another way to promote your Smithsonian affiliation? Offer Smithsonian souvenir merchandise in your museum shops and retail stores. Several Affiliates have designed displays of Smithsonian products featuring the Smithsonian magazine, souvenir products and Smithsonian Affiliate Membership information.
 Smithsonian souvenir keychain.
Smithsonian logo merchandise is available exclusively to Affiliates at wholesale prices. These items can be purchased directly from Smithsonian Affiliations in any quantity. Put key chains, souvenir spoons, lapel pins, mugs and magnets in your museum stores. Give them as corporate gifts or membership incentives.
 Smithsonian logo mugs. It is easy! An order form is available on the Smithsonian Affiliations website. You can also click here to see a list of available merchandise and wholesale pricing.
Need more information? Contact Christina Di Meglio Lopez , 202.633.5303
August 25, 2010
 Beth Ziebarth, Director of the Smithsonian Accessibility Program, discusses Universal Design principles with museum peers. The museum profession is well-acquainted with requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act - for ramps, accessible restrooms, and other physical infrastructure needs - but how about for exhibitions and public programs?
This will be a topic of discussion in an upcoming webinar entitled Universal Design: Beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act on Wednesday, October 27. In a unique onsite-online learning model, Affiliations has teamed up with the American Association of Museums(AAM) to offer opportunites for museum professionals around the country to come together to experience the webinar. 25 Affiliates(in 21 states and Puerto Rico) will serve as “host sites”for their peers to network, watch the webinar together, and engage in moderated discussions about the specific implications of universal design for their museums and communities.
“Planning a program using a universal design perspective is different from designing a program for the deaf, for example,” says Beth Ziebarth, Director of the Smithsonian’s Accessibility Program, and main webinar presenter. Most simply, universal design is human-centered design, a user-friendly approach to the design of environments that are accessible to people of any culture, age, size, weight, race, gender and ability. Designing with such an approach is not only beneficial for people with disabilities, but for multi-generational families, pregnant women, the elderly and more. The webinar will explore integrating universal design into exhibitions and public programs; engaging your local disability community to inform program designs; and developing resources to share across a community’s cultural organizations.
We saw the power of this shared learning approach first-hand. In March 2009, Beth led a training seminar for cultural leaders in Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center. About 60 professionals from the city’s museums, historical societies, theaters, operas, art galleries and more, spent a morning discussing their particular accessibility issues. By sharing successes and challenges, they were able to brainstorm collaborative and cost-saving possibilities for solutions – i.e., sharing the costs of an LED reader or mobile assistive-listening device, to make it more affordable for several organizations. Since then, the participants have created an accessibility task force that meets quarterly in an effort to make Pittsburgh’s cultural attractions even more accessible to everyone.
AAM is the perfect partner to help take the Pittsburgh example to a national scale. Their popular, high-quality professional development webinar series reaches thousands of museum professionals each year. Together, we can deliver Smithsonian expertise to a broad audience of museum peers and disability advocates throughout the country. We are all very grateful to the Smithsonian Women’s Committee for funding this collaboration experiment.
So head to your local Affiliate this fall and join the conversation!
Affiliate host sites:
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham, AL
Arizona State Museum, Tuscon, AZ
San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego, CA
Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Riverside, CA
History Colorado, Denver, CO
Frost Art Museum, Miami, FL
Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, FL
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA
Conner Prairie, Fishers, IN
Frazier International History Museum, Louisville, KY
National World War II Museum, New Orleans, LA
Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell, MA
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Baltimore, MD
North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, NC
Atomic Testing Museum, Las Vegas, NV
Yeshiva University Museum, New York, NY
Archives of the History of American Psychology, Akron, OH
Oklahoma Museum of History, Oklahoma City, OK
Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
Culture and Heritage Museums, Rock Hill, SC
The Women’s Museum, Dallas, TX
Institute of Texan Cultures, San Antonio, TX
Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA
Museum of History & Industry, Seattle, WA
There are two ways to register:
1) Contact affiliates@si.edu or visit the Affiliations website to get a list of contacts at each Affiliate host site. Register directly with them to attend at their site, and receive a discounted registration fee of $15.
2) Register directly through AAM and watch the webinar online, http://www.aam-us.org/getinvolved/learn/universaldesign.cfm
With more than an estimated 137 million artifacts, 19 museums, galleries and the National Zoological Park, one may think that there’s not a lot that the Smithsonian doesn’t have. But Smithsonian curators and researchers frequently reach out to other experts, borrowing objects to complement Smithsonian exhibitions.
Smithsonian Affiliations promotes the mutual sharing of ideas and expertise; and Smithsonian Affiliates are proud to help when called upon. Currently, five Smithsonian Affiliates have objects and images from their collections on view in Smithsonian exhibitions. So what’s out there?
 Elvis at Three by Howard Finster on display at the National Portrait Gallery. High Museum of Art At the National Portrait Gallery, One Life: Echoes of Elvis commemorates the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s birth. The High Museum of Art (Atlanta, GA) lent two paintings by Howard Finster to tell the story of this iconic American, as popular today as he was during his lifetime. The exhibition’s curator, Warren Perry, explains the importance of the High’s contribution: “The mission behind our Elvis show was to find works that paid tribute to Elvis since his death. Howard Finster’s work—he began painting images of Elvis shortly after Elvis died—fit the bill exactly, if not to the extreme. Finster believed that Elvis was an emissary of God and often he painted him as such, as we see in the High Museum’s portrait of Elvis with angel’s wings. The composition of these pieces is wonderful; Finster’s appreciation of Elvis exudes from them both. I am really grateful to the High Museum for making these works available to us.”
 Objects related to the "Spruce Goose" from the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, on view at the National Air & Space Museum Objects from the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (McMinnville, OR) help tell the story of another legendary American, Howard Hughes. The Hughes H-4 Hercules aircraft (nicknamed the “Spruce Goose”) was built during World War II to transport materials. As wartime rations limited the use of metal, the massive aircraft was mostly built of wood; its wingspan is still the largest of any aircraft in history. While the “Spruce Goose” is on display at the Evergreen in Oregon, objects related to its groundbreaking construction are on view at the National Air and Space Museum. Chris Moore, Museum Specialist in the Aeronautics Division at the Air and Space Museum said, “The exhibit includes objects related to the aircraft’s manufacture. We don’t have any artifacts from the aircraft in our collection, so borrowing them allowed us to tell a story we could otherwise not have told.”
The Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, CA) lent three artifacts to The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946, organized by author and guest curator, Delphine Hirasuna. “The Japanese American National Museum was pleased to lend artifacts from its extensive permanent collection to the traveling exhibition, The Art of Gaman,” stated National Museum President & CEO Akemi Kikumura Yano. “Delphine Hirasuna’s work in exploring the cultural connections between the objects and art created in the camps by the inmates helps to illuminate the spirit of those falsely incarcerated. As an Affiliate, the Japanese American National Museum was delighted to collaborate with this show and the Renwick Gallery, since all parties seek to explore and share this important chapter of U.S. history.”
 Mother in Jerome Camp, 1943 by Henry Sugimoto, who was also interned in Jerome, Arkansas, on view at the Renwick Gallery. Japanese American National Museum At the National Zoo, the Center for the History of Psychology (Akron, OH) shared its collections — permanently — by giving a gift of early 20th century IQ tests to the Zoo. “Think Tank interprets animal thinking and the challenges of measuring human and animal intelligence. The gift of the artifacts from the Center for the History of Psychology helps us to interpret this topic for our visitors,” says Lisa Stevens, Curator of Primates and Giant Pandas.
Institute of Texan Cultures (San Antonio, TX) works to document the multicultural history of the state of Texas. Their photo archives supplied images to the Anacostia Community Museum’s latest exhibition, Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner Connecting Communities through Language. The exhibition documents the historical journey made by people from Africa to the Americas. “It’s a great pleasure and privilege to share our resources with the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum,” said Tim Gette, executive director of the Institute of Texan Cultures. “We have nearly 3.5 million historic images of Texas and Texans, including the Black Seminole or Gullah peoples and their descendants. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase a unique culture whose influence can be felt throughout the Southern States.”
Each of these collaborations highlight the best part of the Affiliate relationship – museums working together to share knowledge and ideas with visitors.
August 24, 2010
In these times of economic challenges, it’s nice to see some bright spots!
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust announced the Heard Museum (Phoenix, Arizona) was awarded an Arts Restructuring and Transformation Fund (ART Fund) grant to expand current retail space for Native American artists, add a new bookstore with expanded inventory and open a coffee shop that serves traditional Native American refreshments. The grant was $150,000 over 24 months.
Michigan State University Museum (East Lansing, Michigan) received funding from The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The MSU Museum will receive $98,173 from the National Leadership Collaborative Planning Grant to be used to expand technology and access for the online resource, the Quilt Index.
The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation has awarded a two year grant in the amount of $230,000 to The Raices Latin Music Museum (New York, New York) for the implementation of the strategic planning and collection preservation initiative as well as the purchase of TMS, a museum database.
The Senate confirmed five individuals to serve on the National Museum and Library Services Board, which advises the Institute of Museum and Library Services on general policy and practices including Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (Birmingham, Alabama).
The Kona Historical Society (Kona, Hawaii) received $255,592 to buy two acres on the Big Island as a scenic buffer for the historic H.N. Greenwell Store and additional space for preservation of the farming and ranching heritage of Kona. The money is from the Legacy Land Conservation Program and will be matched with about $9.5 million from federal, county and private sources to acquire land or protective easements for public benefit.
Congratulations all!
July 26, 2010
We’ve invited our recent Affiliate interns and visiting professionals to blog about their experiences in our Summer at the Smithsonian series beginning in August. Shawn Pirelli, Smithsonian Affiliations intern partner from Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, MA) will kick us off, so check back soon! Here’s a taste of what each thought of their time at the Smithsonian:
Affiliate Visiting Professionals
 Eric Stanley (left) spent two weeks at the National Museum of American History researching the process of developing and designing history exhibitions. “It was my great pleasure to be introduced to many, many facets of creating exhibitions at NMAH. I met over thirty people and was able to learn something from each of them. The time I spent with them, each one knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and warmly receptive of my presence, was a tremendous benefit to me and my institution,” said Eric Stanley, Sonoma County Museum (Santa Rosa, CA).
 Chena Popper spent three weeks at the National Museum of Natural History with registrars and collections care experts. “It was a great learning experience to be able to see the loan process from start to finish, from loan forms to insurance and shipping, arrangements to condition reporting. Then on the SDNHM side, I was able to assist with the receiving, condition reporting and installation of the pieces,” said Chena Popper, San Diego Natural History Museum (San Diego, CA).
 Lisa Falk (left) benefited from a 4-week, pan-institutional project focused on technology and Web 2.0 initiatives at the Smithsonian. “My SI colleagues were inviting, open, and encouraging. Their work is inspiring and has given me many ideas and broadened my understanding of the possibilities and some of the difficulties in creating digital and face-to-face museum interactions. Back home, I look forward to sharing what I learned with my ASM colleagues and trying out some of the Smithsonian approaches,” said Lisa Falk, Arizona State Museum (Tucson, AZ).
Affiliations Intern Partners
 Annette Shumway at the National Postal Museum working to digitize the Postmaster General Collection. “Taking part in both of these projects has helped me understand the logistics behind coordinating loans and standards involved in collections’ imaging projects. I feel that much of the experience that I gained through this period will aid in the second portion of my internship which will involve initiating a collections digitization program,” said Annette Shumway, Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partner at the Frost Art Museum at Florida International University (Miami, FL).
 Shawn Pirelli is wrapping up 10 weeks at the Smithsonian researching Thanksgiving traditions for a future exhibition. “I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most revered curators and archivists in the world. The Smithsonian is truly an untapped gold mine in historical records. With the help of the staff, I was able to uncover some of the most truly magnificent historical records that, during their time, helped shape and change the United States,” said Shawn Pirelli, Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partner at Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, MA).
 David Kerr alternates his internship between the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Affiliations “My Smithsonian Affiliations internship has been incredibly advantageous. From handling and transcribing Teddy Roosevelt letters to helping do research for an upcoming work on the Civil War to meeting with curators to discuss current exhibits and collections, my time has been very well spent, and my future as an academic or as a future employee can only benefit,” said David Kerr, Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partner at the Frazier International History Museum (Louisville, KY).
Smithsonian Institution Intern
 Juliana Walker (right) tests an interactive game at the National Zoo with Affiliate researcher, Lisa Falk. “Under the direction of Harold Closter I was able to learn about the enormous positive impact the Smithsonian Affiliations Office has across the country. By researching museums in the states where Affiliates are not present, I hope my research may help extend the Affiliate network across even more,” said Juliana Walker, Junior at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Don’t forget to visit our blog in August for stories from each of our interns and visiting professionals! Read first-hand how professional development opportunities at Smithsonian Affiliations can benefit your museum. And keep checking back for application deadlines for 2011.
June 29, 2010
In addition to Mexico and Asian Pacific Americans, this year’s Folklife Festival features ‘Smithsonian Inside Out’ – a section devoted to explaining the inner workings of the Institution. Tents are dedicated to work in our strategic grand challenges, how we make exhibits and tend our grounds, our research activities around the globe, and more.
Affiliates are playing an important role in demonstrating to Festival visitors how the Smithsonian reaches audiences well beyond Washington. The Littleton Historical Museum in Colorado and the Historic Arkansas Museum are featured on giant festival maps about the Smithsonian’s work outside D.C. Icons for Affiliates that show the breadth of the network are highlighted as well.
The B & O Railroad Museum‘s executive director Courtney Wilson will be on the Festival’s discussion stage on July 1 with Bill Withuhn, curator emeritus at the National Museum of American History. They’ll be discussing our decade of collaboration, and the numerous Smithsonian artifacts on view in Baltimore as a result of our relationship.
On July 3, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture will host a table at the Festival to demonstrate the fruits of their affiliation, such as hosting several major SITES exhibitions, artifact loans from the new National Museum of African American History, and sharing expertise with a range of Smithsonian scholars.
Throughout the Festival, Affiliations staff have been engaged in explaining outreach efforts to visitors. National Outreach Manager Alma Douglas took to the discussion stage on June 27 to describe the Affiliations Program. Other staff members are manning the “Ask the Smithsonian” tent, finding out about visitors’ hometowns and encouraging them to visit their local Affiliates. It’s great to be able to tell Festival visitors from across the country about our extended family of Affiliates, and the Smithsonian experience they can have, even in their own backyards.
 Affiliations Director, Harold Closter, greeting conference guests at the Welcome Reception at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. We were so delighted that so many of you were able to join us for this year’s Annual National Conference. The spirit of friendship permeated our gathering as did the passion and commitment that you bring to our profession. We were sorry that some of you were unable to attend, but know that you were with us in thought, and that we’ll see you next year, if not sooner.
Thank you for your many kind words of praise. We try hard to build a conference that offers the right mix of intellectual challenge, workshops on cutting edge topics, new ways of engaging the Smithsonian, and enjoyable networking opportunities. We hope our blend worked for you, but if not, let us know so we can try something different next year.
 Conference attendees brainstorming with Smithsonian experts at the "Grand Challenges" roundtables. This year we had more Affiliate presenters and more Smithsonian participants than ever before. We are grateful to all of you for taking the time to prepare and share your experiences. They were informative, enlightening, and ever indicative of the impact that we create together through Smithsonian Affiliations. I am confident that everyone left with a suitcase full of new ideas; we can’t wait to begin unpacking.
Wish we all of you a wonderful summer, certainly one not as hot as in Washington, and continued success in serving your communities. We are proud to be your partners!
Harold A. Closter
PS- Missed something at the conference? Click on these links to review Conference Presentations, browse the Conference Guidebook, and enjoy photos from all three days of activities.
Have ideas for next year? Please email Elizabeth Bugbee with ideas for topics YOU want to learn about next year!
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