One of my favorite parts about this job is when Affiliates come to DC to visit, either bringing their members, their boards or staff.  Why?  We get to connect with Affiliates and their goals in very tangible ways.  AND, it usually means we get to meet new people and see cool stuff!  

Last week, we got a visit from a group of staff of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum in Connecticut.  The Museum received an IMLS planning grant to prepare for a major overhaul of their permanent exhibition galleries, and were here to consult with staff of the American Indian Museum about working with Native communities to share their stories.  We had some *great* chats, about building trust, sharing ownership, visitor vulnerability (there’s one to wrap your mind around) – all kinds of juicy museology-esque topics that have such important bearing on a successful museum visit. 

We also got a glimpse into the Pequot collections in the American Indian Museum’s wonderful storage facility.  Lots of interesting baskets, beadwork, bows and arrows.  Check out this one - !