Voice 3126 W. Cary St., #447 | Richmond, Virginia 23221-3504 | 804. 358.3170 | www.vamuseums.org | Fall 2013

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The Continuum of Excellence

Which Excellence Program is Right for My Organization?

Member Profile: The Science Museum of Western Virginia

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Graphic courtesy of the American Alliance of Museums

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ryThe Continuum of Excellence• What are museum standards, and how can my museum learn more about them? • Are the standards relevant to my museum, and can my museum really meet them? • How can we engage our staff and board in seeking to improve our organizations? • What options exist for museums like mine to receive national recognition?

Museums like yours have been asking for more options for recogni-tion, more pathways to understand-ing standards and a more flexible accreditation program. The American Alliance of Museums (the Alliance) heard these concerns and worked with the field to build a new model to address these considerations — the Continuum of Excellence. The Continuum is a collaborative, inclusive, and accessible framework of standards-based programs and resources from across the field that supports, motivates, and recognizes museums in their efforts to profes-sionalize and operate according to standards and best practices.

Virginia museums are already par-ticipating in programs that fit nicely within the Continuum of Excellence. VAM programs like technical assis-tance, Collections in Action, Priority: Disaster Planning Workshops and Circuit Riders programs are based on national standards and fit within the framework of the Continuum of Excellence. Museums that have participated in these programs have already taken steps on the Continu-um of Excellence and committed to standards.

The idea is to allow museums to build on what they’ve already accomplished and choose the programs that will work best for them. This model is not exclusive to

the Alliance but is truly the field’s Continuum of Excellence. It is a way to tie together collective efforts to advance the field and make sure that museums of all sizes and types find a place on the Continuum. Whether a museum is already accredited or taking the first step in its profession-al journey, the Continuum of Excel-lence provides multiple entry points and customized assistance for all museums to reach higher levels of recognition.

The new Continuum offers oppor-tunities for various levels of assess-ment, feedback and recognition that build on one another. Programs along the Continuum include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Pledge of Excellence• The Standards and Excellence Program (StEPs)• Museum Assessment Program (MAP)• Conservation Assessment Program (CAP)• Core Documents Verification• Accreditation (Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Alliance)

The foundation of the Continuum is based upon the following principles:

• Accessible: Museums of all sizes and categories benefit from the rec-ognition and improvement available through the programs.

• Flexible: Two new programs—Core Documents Verification and the Pledge of Excellence—promote pro-fessionalism and offer recognition for your commitment. Our Museum As-sessment Program (MAP) helps small and mid-sized museums through self-study and site visit.

•Efficient: The streamlined, online Accreditation process will take about 50% less time to complete.

• Collaborative: The Continuum ex-

tends beyond the Alliance by linking to other standards recognition and assessment programs, such as Amer-ican Association for State and Local History’s StEPs program, Heritage Preservation’s Conservation Assess-ment Program, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Accredita-tion. These cooperative partnerships reduce the time and steps needed for Alliance Accreditation.

Pledge of ExcellenceThe Pledge of Excellence is the first step on the Continuum. It’s a quick, easy, free, and achievable step along any museum’s path to excel-lence. Museums can showcase their commitment to the field by joining a national, public list of museums who’ve already taken the Pledge. The museum pledges that, in fulfillment of its educational mission, it will strive to operate according to nation-al standards and best practices to the best of its abilities and in accordance with its resources.

73 museums in Virginia have already taken the Pledge of Excellence. We invite you to become the next Virginia museum to take the pledge. You can turn it into a public relations opportunity and spread the word to visitors, staff, policy makers, funders and peers. It’s also a good way to increase your staff and board’s awareness of museum standards and ethics. Bring it up in your museum’s next staff or board meeting and use it as an internal reminder of your institutional goals and values. Finally, sign the Pledge for the good of the field.

A critical mass of museums signing the pledge sends a strong message to the public and policymakers that the field is professional, accountable and committed to shared standards and ethics—making it worthy of sup-port. More information is available at www.aam-us.org.

The Continuum of Excellence by AAM’s Jill Connors-Joyner

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The Continuum of Excellence by AAM’s Jill Connors-JoynerStEPsThe American Association for State and Local History runs the Standards and Excellence Program (StEPs) for small and mid-sized history muse-ums, historic houses, sites, historical societies, and other organizations. StEPs is a self-study program based on national standards. The self-study uses questions and performance indicators to help museums better rate their policies, practices and how well they are meeting standards. Mu-seums can clearly identify strengths and can get specific recommenda-tions for what they should be doing in order to meet national standards. There are six standards sections and museums can choose to complete them in any order. It is self-paced and has no eligibility requirements to apply. Currently thirteen museums from Virginia are signed up for StEPs. More information is available at www.aaslh.org/steps.

CAPHeritage Preservation’s Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) helps small to mid-sized museums of all types obtain general assessments of the condition of their collections, environment, and historic buildings. A professional conservator will con-duct a two-day site visit, examining the policies, procedures and envi-ronmental conditions affecting the care and preservation of collections and facilities. The conservator then writes a report outlining priorities to improve the care of collections and historic structures.

CAP supports assessor professional fees, travel costs and on-site expens-es. CAP is affordable because it is supported by a cooperative agree-ment between Heritage Preservation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Between 2010 and 2012, eleven Virginia mu-seums participated in MAP. The next

application deadline is December 2, 2013. More information is available at www.heritagepreservation.org/cap.

MAPThe Museum Assessment Program (MAP) is a powerful tool designed to support small and mid-sized museums of all types. Through a one-year process of self-assessment, institutional activities and consulta-tive peer review, museums emerge with an analysis of their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. After a one to two-day site visit with a peer reviewer, the museum receives a report with prioritized recommenda-tions for improvement. Museums can use MAP to strengthen operations, plan for the future, meet standards, improve collections stewardship, and better serve their communities. There are three types of assessments: Organizational, Collections, and Community Engagement.

Also based on national standards, it complements the other programs on the Continuum. MAP is free or low cost to museums because it is supported through a cooperative agreement between the IMLS and the Alliance. Between 2010 and 2012, nine Virginia museums participated in MAP. The next application deadline is December 1, 2013. More information is available at www.aam-us.org/map.

Core Documents VerificationCore Documents Verification is another new Alliance program on the Continuum. This review program verifies an institution’s educational mission and affirms that core muse-um-specific plans and policies meet the standards of professional muse-ums. Core Documents Verification analyses five key documents:

• Educational Mission Statement• Institutional Code of Ethics• Strategic Institutional Plan

• Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Response Plan• Collections Management Policy

Many museums already have these policies and plans in place, so the Core Documents Verification Program is an opportunity to receive national recognition for that hard work. The program is also a way to motivate staff to revisit the key documents that are essential for a professionally run museum. The Alliance has created resources to assist museums in devel-oping or self-assessing documents, including reference guides, sample documents and a webinar series focusing on each document.

Use Core Documents Verification at any time, such as part of the imple-mentation of MAP or CAP recommen-dations or for third-party vetting of documents created as part of earning StEPs certificates, and if you’re going for accreditation, it is a required step for first time applicants. Because documents have to be reviewed every five years, it’s a good accountability measure for museums. The more museums that have these documents in place helps strengthen our case that we’re a professionally-run field. The more museums that are verified as professionally run, the stronger the case. Learn more at www.aam-us.org.

AccreditationAs the museum field’s mark of distinction, accreditation offers high profile, peer-based validation of museum operations and impact. Accreditation increases a museum’s credibility and value to funders, policy makers, community and peers. Accreditation is a powerful tool to leverage change and helps facilitate loans between institutions. The Accreditation process consists of a self-study, site visit by two peer reviewers, and a decision by the Ac-creditation Commission. (Continued on page 11.)

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iPledge of Excellence StEPs Museum Assessment

Program (MAP)Conservation Assessment Program (CAP)

Core Documents Verification Accreditation

Program Purpose Show your commitment to ethics, national standards and best practices.

Starting point for small- and mid-sized history organizations that are not ready for other programs. Self-paced, self-study.

Consultative program helps museums to assess their strengths and weak-nesses, meet museum standards, and build capacity by planning for the future.

Provides consultative report that museums can use to develop strate-gies for improved conservation care and provide a tool for long-range planning and fund-raising for conser-vation.

Receive recognition validating your museum’s mission and core policies meet national standards for profes-sional museums.

Provides recognition for meeting national museum standards and eth-ics, and commitment to continued institutional improvement.

How do I participate? Check a box. Sign up anytime. Submit Dec. 1 or July 1 application or pay fee to participate anytime.

Submit annual application. Apply anytime. Submit application anytime; re-viewed at designated times of the year.

How does this program relate to the others?

Pledge to follow the standards (Na-tional Standards for U.S. Museums) that are used in all the excellence programs. Required before doing Core Documents Verification.

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums). A good precursor to MAP.

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums). Muse-ums can use MAP to prepare for re/accreditation

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums). Muse-ums can use CAP to prepare for re/accreditation.

A required step before Accreditation. An opportunity to receive recognition for the plans you’ve created in StEPs, MAP or CAP.

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums).

Show me the money. What does this program cost?

It’s free. $150 one-time payment no matter how long it takes to complete the program. Only AASLH institutional members receive certificates.

Free for organizations with operating expenses of $125,000 or less; prorat-ed for other institutions. Over $4000 worth of services provided.

Participants should budget $400 - $1,000 to cover potential additional costs. At least $3,390 worth of ser-vices are provided.

Between $150-$500 depending on membership level with the American Alliance of Museums. (Membership not required)

Annual participation fee : $250-$575Every ten years: review fee and costs for site visit.

How much time is needed to complete it?

A few minutes. Self-paced so time varies. Completed within one year. Completed within one year. A few months. 12-18 months. Must undergo reac-creditation every 10 years.

How is this program structured?

Discuss the pledge with staff and board and then take it.

Six separate sections can be under-taken in any order.

Four possible assessments offer a comprehensive self-study, peer site visit, report & implementation.

Two day site visit followed by asses-sor’s report.

A review of the required elements in the five core documents.

One comprehensive study of the entire institution via a Self-Study, a site visit, and review by the Accredi-tation Commission.

Why should my institution use this program?

• It’s an easy step to commit to muse-um standards.• A precursor for participating in oth-er standards assessment and recogni-tion programs

• Offers education and awareness of standards for paid and unpaid staff, board and governing authority mem-bers, and the community.

• Understand strengths and weak-nesses• Get recommendations for improve-ment• Learn about standards and best practices• Use report as a tool to guide strate-gic planning and fundraising.

• Understand conservation strengths and weaknesses, • Get recommendations for improve-ment, • Learn about conservation standards and best practices, • Use report to guide conservation planning and fundraising.

• Distinguishes the museum as a professional member of the field and an educational entity. • Acts as an accountability tool for keeping policies up to date.

Results in: • Sustainability and a Stronger Institution• Credibility and Accountability• A Clearer Sense of Mission • National Recognition

What is the program outcome?

A public commitment to standards and best practices.

Self-completed workbook helps with planning; certificates for meeting performance indicators.

Self-completed workbook and report from surveyor that helps museums prioritize need and improve opera-tions.

Report from assessor that helps muse-ums prioritize conservation need and improve conservation.

National recognition Award or denial of Accredited Museum status.

Where can I obtain more information?

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

American Association for State and Local Historywww.aaslh.org

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

Heritage Preservationwww.heritagepreservation.org

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

Which Excellence Program is Right for My Organization? courtesy of the American Alliance of Museums

4

Pledge of Excellence StEPs Museum Assessment Program (MAP)

Conservation Assessment Program (CAP)

Core Documents Verification Accreditation

Program Purpose Show your commitment to ethics, national standards and best practices.

Starting point for small- and mid-sized history organizations that are not ready for other programs. Self-paced, self-study.

Consultative program helps museums to assess their strengths and weak-nesses, meet museum standards, and build capacity by planning for the future.

Provides consultative report that museums can use to develop strate-gies for improved conservation care and provide a tool for long-range planning and fund-raising for conser-vation.

Receive recognition validating your museum’s mission and core policies meet national standards for profes-sional museums.

Provides recognition for meeting national museum standards and eth-ics, and commitment to continued institutional improvement.

How do I participate? Check a box. Sign up anytime. Submit Dec. 1 or July 1 application or pay fee to participate anytime.

Submit annual application. Apply anytime. Submit application anytime; re-viewed at designated times of the year.

How does this program relate to the others?

Pledge to follow the standards (Na-tional Standards for U.S. Museums) that are used in all the excellence programs. Required before doing Core Documents Verification.

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums). A good precursor to MAP.

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums). Muse-ums can use MAP to prepare for re/accreditation

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums). Muse-ums can use CAP to prepare for re/accreditation.

A required step before Accreditation. An opportunity to receive recognition for the plans you’ve created in StEPs, MAP or CAP.

Uses the same standards (National Standards for U.S. Museums).

Show me the money. What does this program cost?

It’s free. $150 one-time payment no matter how long it takes to complete the program. Only AASLH institutional members receive certificates.

Free for organizations with operating expenses of $125,000 or less; prorat-ed for other institutions. Over $4000 worth of services provided.

Participants should budget $400 - $1,000 to cover potential additional costs. At least $3,390 worth of ser-vices are provided.

Between $150-$500 depending on membership level with the American Alliance of Museums. (Membership not required)

Annual participation fee : $250-$575Every ten years: review fee and costs for site visit.

How much time is needed to complete it?

A few minutes. Self-paced so time varies. Completed within one year. Completed within one year. A few months. 12-18 months. Must undergo reac-creditation every 10 years.

How is this program structured?

Discuss the pledge with staff and board and then take it.

Six separate sections can be under-taken in any order.

Four possible assessments offer a comprehensive self-study, peer site visit, report & implementation.

Two day site visit followed by asses-sor’s report.

A review of the required elements in the five core documents.

One comprehensive study of the entire institution via a Self-Study, a site visit, and review by the Accredi-tation Commission.

Why should my institution use this program?

• It’s an easy step to commit to muse-um standards.• A precursor for participating in oth-er standards assessment and recogni-tion programs

• Offers education and awareness of standards for paid and unpaid staff, board and governing authority mem-bers, and the community.

• Understand strengths and weak-nesses• Get recommendations for improve-ment• Learn about standards and best practices• Use report as a tool to guide strate-gic planning and fundraising.

• Understand conservation strengths and weaknesses, • Get recommendations for improve-ment, • Learn about conservation standards and best practices, • Use report to guide conservation planning and fundraising.

• Distinguishes the museum as a professional member of the field and an educational entity. • Acts as an accountability tool for keeping policies up to date.

Results in: • Sustainability and a Stronger Institution• Credibility and Accountability• A Clearer Sense of Mission • National Recognition

What is the program outcome?

A public commitment to standards and best practices.

Self-completed workbook helps with planning; certificates for meeting performance indicators.

Self-completed workbook and report from surveyor that helps museums prioritize need and improve opera-tions.

Report from assessor that helps muse-ums prioritize conservation need and improve conservation.

National recognition Award or denial of Accredited Museum status.

Where can I obtain more information?

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

American Association for State and Local Historywww.aaslh.org

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

Heritage Preservationwww.heritagepreservation.org

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

American Alliance of Museumswww.aam-us.org

Which Excellence Program is Right for My Organization? courtesy of the American Alliance of Museums

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HERE A RISK, THERE A RISK, EVERYWHERE A RISK, RISK! Monday, September 23, 2013Walkerton Tavern; Glen Allen, VA Meet Mike. Mike helps those seeking peace of mind and security to pursue their goals without fear of unexpected setbacks. Attend this interactive work-shop to explore how cultural institu-tions can better protect everything you deem valuable and wish to protect from damage/harm (staff, volunteers, visitors, exhibits, and collections). Un-derstand today’s risky realities, identify the risks under your own roof, gauge the impact of these risks, and imple-ment the steps you can take to lessen those risks. Co-sponsored by Markel InsuranceCertificate Credit: Internal Affairs

VISITORS OF THE FUTURE/REACHING NEW CONSTITUENTSThursday, November 7, 2013Lynchburg College/Daura Gallery; Lynchburg, VAGetting a handle on future visitors will ensure sustainability for your museum. Examine how changing demographics impact your museum. Find out how you can conduct visitor research – even on a budget. Find ways to reach out and explore creative partnerships that open the doors of your museum to those in your community who might not have a cultural tradition of visiting museums and cultural sites. Learn from future museum goers and museum professionals about reaching out in unconventional ways to stay relevant within our changing communities. Certificate Credit: Education/Outreach

WRITING EFFECTIVE MUSEUM LABELS FOR THE PUBLIC (NOT FOR SCHOLARS)Wednesday, December 4, 2013NASA Langley; Hampton, VA Have you ever approached an artifact or piece of art only to be driven away by an indecipherable exhibit label?

As we seek new audiences and try to engage our community, it’s important to think about how to approach ex-hibit labels. We’ll discuss the notion of Plain Language, audience needs, and cultural bias in the creation of museum labels. Type up and bring along some verbiage from your own collection as we’ll have opportunities to work on creating or improving our own muse-um labels.

This workshop will also include a lunchtime talk by NASA, explaining all they have to offer museums, and a post-workshop tour of the base (very rare, and awesome opportunity!)Certificate Credit: Exhibitions

THE MUSEUM ENVIRONMENTMonday, April 7, 2014Salem Museum; Salem, VACertificate Credit: Collections Management THE STORE: CREATING AND MANAGING A MUSEUM STORE ON A BUDGETMonday, May 5, 2014Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA Co-sponsored by the Museum Store AssociationCertificate Credit: Internal Affairs

DIGITAL FOOTPRINTJune 2014Charlottesville, VA (date & location TBD) Certificate Credit: External Affairs

PLUS the special workshop…

CRATING 101: CONSTRUCTING NEW & RETROFITTING OLDWednesday, December 11, 2013 9am-5pm*Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Richmond, VALearn from a vendor about various types of crates, the material that is used to make crates, and what you need to think about when purchasing

a crate, plus learn from VMFA staff who will walk us through the process of ret-rofitting a crate, which is a great choice for those on a tight budget. Co-sponsored by Richmond Registrars Group$25 fee, member or nonmemberCertificate Credit: Collections Management

ONLINE CLASSES RETURN FALL 2013 with John Tyler Community College Enjoy the quality training you’ve come to expect from VAM from the comfort of your desk. No matter where you are, you can now take advantage of our new online class series and because they are so detailed, the classes also count as two credits for the Virginia Certificate in Museum Management program.

To find out more or to sign up, go to www.vamuseums.org and click on On-line Training under the Training tab.

Registration Fees: VAM Members$50 single workshop$250 series of six workshops

Non-Members$75 single workshopJoin VAM and start saving today!

$15 box lunch per workshop (optional)

Workshop Hours: 10am – 3pm *unless otherwise noted

Register Today:Online: www.vamuseums.orgCall: 804-358-3173Email: cnewton@vamuseums.org

Workshops provide credits toward the Virginia Certificate in Museum Management

VAM Workshop Series 2013-2014

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2014 will be VAM’s first visit to Alexandria since 2000, and if the wonderful events being planned are any indication, the local museum community is as excited about that as we are! Even before the official start of the confer-ence, there will be plenty to do. If you can add Saturday to your itin-erary, you can choose from a Civil War tour of Historic Alexandria, or a Historic House Museum Sympo-sium at Gunston Hall. Wind down after your busy day by attending our 2014 Scholarship Fundraiser at the DEA Museum in Arlington.

For those looking for something to do on Sunday morning before sessions begin, you can either see Alexandria in the era of the War of 1812 by bike or by foot. All conference participants are welcome to join us that evening to see all of Old Town Alexandria, where buses will drop you at various stops in town, and seven local museums will be open with food and refreshments (Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, The Lyceum, Friendship Firehouse, Alexandria Black Histo-ry Museum, and the Lee Fendall House Museum).

After a long day of sessions on Monday, participants will get the chance to spend the evening at Mount Vernon, touring their brand new National Library for the Study of George Washington, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, and the mansion. Mount Vernon ex-tends their generosity again on Tuesday, for anyone wishing to

stop on their way home from the conference to take a distillery and gristmill tour. Two other tours will be available for the adventurous on Tuesday afternoon, one to downtown DC, and the other a “factory tour” of Blair Inc, one of our local business members. See how they fabricate exhibits, and talk to their staff!

Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something amazing in Alexandria. The doors are open for you—you just have to walk on in! d

Need to Budget? Here are some of the ba-sic fees you need to know about to get ready for Alex-andria 2014:

Hilton Mark Center room rate: $145 (amazing for DC area!)

Member Full Conference Registration: $250 (includes coffee breaks, exhibit hall receptions, all sessions, and Monday lunch)

(Right, top to bottom: The Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria; the DEA Museum; and the Alexandria Black History Museum (with our friend Virgil))

Conference 2014: Opening Doors

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Join us March 15th - 18th in Alexandria

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Chartered in 1970 as the first sci-ence museum in Virginia, the Sci-ence Museum of Western Virginia (SMWV) was feeling its age in 2010 at 40 years old. Its technol-ogy and exhibits were outdated. And its space inside downtown Roanoke’s Center in the Square was in need of a facelift. “We were just ‘tired’ in every respect,” says executive director Jim Rollings.No more.

In May 2013, following a two-year $30 million renovation to its home, the SMWV reopened as one of western Virginia’s premier educational and tourist attrac-tions. “We are now a destination for people of all ages,” says Roll-ings, whose 30-year career has in-cluded museum leadership with Heifer Village in Arkansas and the NASA Langley Visitor Center before joining SMWV in 2011.

Previously housed in Center in the Square’s 4th floor, the SMWV today includes the 5th floor as well, doubling its space to nearly

70,000 square feet. The exhibit floor is arranged into three major galleries: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Earth, and How It Works!

SMWV raised more than $3 mil-lion – and partnered with region-al leaders such as Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech, Steel Dynamics, and the Edward Via College of Os-teopathic Medicine (VCOM) – to design and fabricate new STEM-based exhibits. Featured among these are:

• Walk Thru Digestion that lets visitors follow the journey of their food.• Under Your Skin, depicting actual human organs which have been plastinated by the VCOM labs.• Journey Underground that explores Virginia’s geological foundation.• OmniGlobe, a 4-foot sphere that offers hundreds of different images of Earth and the solar system.

But the crown jewel of the SM-WV’s “reinvention” is its new But-terfly Garden. The 3,000-square-foot indoor tropical habitat is home to hundreds of native and exotic species from around the world, some with wingspans of eight inches. Lead animal care specialist Derek Kellogg was recruited from a museum in Rochester, NY, to oversee the but-terfly garden. Kellogg, who holds a Master’s degree in entomology from the University of Kansas, also supervises the museum’s Living River, Touch Tank, and An-imal Care Center. “You can’t run a butterfly exhibit without taking care of your plants,” says Kellogg, who has begun working with local orchid societies to introduce dozens of orchid varieties into the habitat. Kellogg is also creat-ing new educational programs through the museum’s partner-ship with nearby Virginia Tech.

In addition to its transformed space and exhibits, SMWV has

The Science Museum of Western Virginia by Michael Hemphill

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OmniGlobe offers visitors hundreds of images of Earth and our Solar System.

The Touch Tank at the Science Museum of Western Virginia is always a favorite stop for visitors!

The Science Museum of Western Virginia by Michael Hemphill

developed a series of new special events to broaden its audience to young professionals and older adults. Butterflies@5 is a monthly after-hours program in which Kellogg leads visitors on a

behind-the-scenes presentation and butterfly release. Enhancing each event is a program by one of SMWV’s “cultural partners” such as Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Sym-phony and Roanoke Ballet.

The weekend of Sept. 20-21, SMWV is bringing Apollo 14 As-tronaut Edgar Mitchell – the sixth man to walk on the Moon – to Roanoke for a series of presenta-tions at the museum and Virginia Tech. Then, October 25-26 will find SMWV transformed into Haunted Lab, a family-friendly Halloween experience. d

The Science Museum of Western Virginia is located at:4th Floor of Center in the SquareOne Market Square, SE Roanoke, Virginia 24011General Info: 540-342-5710

Hours:Mon. - Fri.: 10:00am - 5:00pmSaturday: 10:00am - 6:00pmSunday: 1:00pm - 6:00pmFor more information, please visit www.smwv.org.

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The new 3,000 square foot butterfly garden at the Science Museum of Western Virginia is home to hundreds of species from around the world!

There have been some big, exciting changes at VAM this year. Our executive director of 19 years, Margo Carlock, left us in April for a new position with the National Association for Interpretation. In June, Jennifer Thomas was selected to take over as executive director. Then, in August, Chris-tina Newton, who has managed our IMLS ‘Connecting to Collections Statewide Implementation’ grant project, was selected as our assistant director. While you likely already know both Jennifer and Christina, we thought we’d share a little bit of their backgrounds, to help you get to know them even better (of course, they’d love to chat with you at an upcoming VAM event as well!).

Jennifer has been with VAM for 13 years. Prior to that, she was direc-tor of the Saratoga County Historical Society in New York, and di-rector of public programs at the Valentine Richmond History Center. She has degrees from William & Mary and the Winterthur Program at the University of Delaware. She lives in Richmond with her hus-band, three dogs, and two PT Cruisers (come see them at a car show sometime!). Jennifer had this to say about her new role at VAM, “I am excited and honored to have been given this opportunity to pick up the reins of this wonderful organization that I have served for 13 years and am looking forward to working with all of the members of

the Virginia museum community to ensure a bright future for VAM.”

Christina has contributed to Richmond’s arts and cultural community for over two decades. She founded and directed the nonprofit Curated Culture and its First Fridays Art Walk program, and has worked at Artspace, the Black History Museum, and the Richmond Symphony. She is an alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University and Leadership Metro Richmond. She shares her love of museums with her musician husband and 5 cats. Christina had this to say about her new role at VAM, “I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to take on a permanent leadership role at one of the most well respected muse-um associations in the country and to continue to work with those who work so hard to make the museums, galleries, and historic sites in Virginia and DC world renowned.”

At VAM we promise to provide the same high level of customer service, commitment, and loyalty to the museum community that you have come to expect as a member. While Jennifer and Christina have new roles with VAM, they are excited to take the reins of this wonderful association and move it into the future while still honoring the traditions that have helped make VAM great for the past 45 years.

Please feel free to contact the VAM office anytime with comments or suggestions—this is your association, and your membership, so our doors are always open to you. d

Phone804.358.3172 (Jennifer phone)804.358.3173 (Christina phone)EmailJennifer Thomas: jthomas@vamuseums.orgChristina Newton: cnewton@vamuseums.org

Exciting Changes are Afoot at VAM

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In the late fall of 2013, the Alliance will introduce a streamlined reac-creditation process that will maintain its rigor and same high standards while significantly reducing (up to 50%) the time needed for com-pletion. The Alliance will unveil a streamlined process for new appli-cants in 2014 that maintains the same standards while significantly re-ducing the time needed for comple-tion. Museums that previously won-dered if Accreditation was achievable can now take different paths on the Continuum of Excellence to attain their goals.

As with the other programs on the Continuum of Excellence, the more museums that are accredited trans-lates to a stronger and more unified field. Currently, there are 57 Accredit-ed museums in Virginia.

How to ParticipateThe Continuum of Excellence unites time-tested programs like MAP, CAP and Accreditation with newer pro-grams like the Pledge of Excellence, StEPs, and Core Documents Verifica-tion to create a variety of options for every museum. Now museums have opportunities to receive recognition, encouragement and assistance on their paths to excellence. The new Continuum provides the building blocks to connect these programs. Hundreds of Virginia museums have participated in these programs already. Consider the program that will work best for your museum. And if you need help figuring out where to start, feel free to contact me at jconnors-joyner@aam-us.org or 202.289.9111. d

The Continuum of Excellence continued from page 3

Recent Virginia CAP ParticipantsOrganization Name City YearHampton History Museum Hampton 2010Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation & Museum Wytheville 2010Little England Chapel Hampton 2010University of Mary Washington Art Galleries Fredericksburg 2011Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection Charlottesville 2011Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum Staunton 2012Cherry Hill Farm Falls Church 2012George C. Marshall Research Foundation Lexington 2012The Menokin Foundation Warsaw 2012Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Alexandria 2012Giles County Historical Society Pearisburg 2012Reynolds Homestead Critz 2013Eleanor D. Wilson Museum Roanoke 2013

Recent Virginia MAP ParticipantsOrganization Name City YearAMA Museum and Alumni House (O) Fort Defiance 2011American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar (O) Richmond 2010Black History Museum & Cultural Center of VA (CE) Richmond 2012Casemate Museum (O) Ft. Monroe 2011Hermitage Museum & Gardens (O) Norfolk 2011Historic Sandusky (O) Lynchburg 2011Radford University Art Museum (CS) Radford 2012Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (O) Forest 2011University of Mary Washington Galleries (CE) Fredericksburg 2011O = organizational MAP; CS = collections stewardship MAP; CE = community engagement MAP

Virginia StEPs Enrollees July 2013Organization Name CityWestmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation AldieTown of Blacksburg BlacksburgBrentsville Courthouse Historic Centre BristowFriends of Laura Ratcliffe FairfaxJames Monroe Museum FredricksburgThomas Balch Library LeesburgGeorge C. Marshall Research Foundation LexingtonManassas Museum System ManassasGiles Co Hist’l Soc PearisburgThe Petersburg Museums PetersburgPortsmouth Museums PortsmouthReedville Fishermen’s Museum ReedvilleVirginia Beach Maritime Museum, Inc. t/a the Old Guard Station Virginia Beach

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Director’s CornerOur Governing CouncilPresident, Tracy J. GillespieVP, Planning & Resources, Al SchweizerVP, Programming, Gary SandlingSecretary, Anna HollowayTreasurer, Norman BurnsPast Presidents, John Verrill and Scott HarrisEx-Officio Members, Robert C. Vaughan and Robin Nicolson

Direc torsEric AppGretchen Bulova Donald Buma Diane DunkleyPatrick FarrisCharles GrantDebi GrayTramia JacksonLisa MartinMelanie L. MathewesApril Cheek-Messier Robert OrrisonDana PugaBarbara Rothermel Charlotte Whitted

Our Staf fExecutive Dir., Jennifer ThomasAssistant Dir., Christina NewtonCommunications Dir., Heather Widener

Accountant, Su Thongpan

Our VoiceVAM Voice is a member benefit pub-lished quarterly for museum profes-sionals and volunteers. The editor encourages readers to submit article proposals. Contact the Communica-tions Director for more information.

Our Contac tsPhone: 804. 358.3170 Fax: 804. 358.3174www.vamuseums.org jthomas@vamuseums.orgcnewton@vamuseums.orghwidener@vamuseums.org su@vamuseums.org

Our News Deadl inesSpring: February 15thSummer: May 15th Fall: August 15thWinter: November 1st

Our MissionThe mission of the Virginia Association of Museums is to serve as the resource network of the Virginia and District of Columbia museum community through education, technical assistance, and advocacy.

Dear Members,

I am honored to be writing my first director’s corner. After thirteen years at VAM, it has been a great privilege to be selected to follow Margo’s very large footprints, and to get the opportunity to serve the or-ganization I love in new ways. I am excited, too, that Christina Newton is taking over my membership and programming duties—she is quickly coming up to speed, and will be an integral part of our new team at VAM. She is, in fact, attending her first workshop as assistant director as I sit down to write this. While it feels odd to be missing out on the camaraderie of a workshop—and I certainly will miss sharing box lunches with all of the workshop attendees!—I feel confident that Christina will serve our members as well, if not better, than I did. (And I will still turn up at some workshops, just to say hello to everyone).

Whenever I have been asked over the years why I stay in one place

for so long, the answer is easy: it is the people. VAM’s members, and the Virginia museum community as a whole, are loyal, dedicated, and generous. I am proud to be considered a part of that community, and hope that I will remain so for many years. I hope that each of you feel welcome to vis-it my office in Richmond whenever you are in town—whether you have a question, or would like to share a suggestion or comment about VAM. You can also always reach me via email, at jthomas@vamuseums.org.

Sincerely,

JenniferJennifer ThomasExecutive DirectorVirginia Association of Museums