History, Natural History & the Arts
The strength of our combined voices is our superpower. When we come together to speak out on an issue, we can be loud and we can be heard. Sometimes advocating for New York’s history, art, and cultural organizations is the most gratifying part of my job.
Other times, it is the most challenging work I do. [Read more…] about Ask Governor Hochul to Support New York’s History
This fall, the Museum Association of New York is presenting virtual programming to keep museum professionals connected to their colleagues and help grow their expertise.
Albany site-specific programming will highlight the city’s history and built environment with virtual tours at Ten Broeck Mansion, the Van Ostrande-Radliff House, the New York State Education Building, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, the NYS Museum, and the Erie Canal. [Read more…] about Museum Association of NY Offering 16 Virtual Programs
I hope all who are reading this are well, that your families are well, and that you are taking precautionary measures to remain healthy and safe.
Every museum in New York is closed, thousands of staff have already been laid off, and thousands more will follow. A Washington, DC source estimated that as many as 30% of museums across the nation may remain permanently closed. [Read more…] about NYS Museums Working Together in Uncertain Times
The Museum Association of New York is working with the American Alliance of Museums and other museum associations to make the case for museums in this time of crisis. New York State’s museums contribute $5.37 billion to the NYS economy and support over 61,000 jobs.
Museums of all sizes and disciplines are closed. Everyone will experience extensive loss of earned income from restricted attendance and canceled events. Museum advocates say some museums have laid off their entire staffs and at least one in the Capital Region has closed permanently. [Read more…] about Museums Call For Advocacy For COVID-19 Relief
The Museum Association of New York’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to postpone the Annual Conference and Museum and Folk Art Forum until later in 2020.
An announcement sent to members and supporters said: “Although this decision was made because the health and well-being of our museum community comes first, it has severe financial consequences for the Museum Association of New York.”
[Read more…] about MANY Update: Museums Conference Postponed, More
The new Museum Education Act (A.9695) sponsored by Assembly Member Patricia Fahy to fund museum programs that serve high-need, low-resource communities regardless of location, has been voted out of the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee. [Read more…] about New Museums Education Bill Clears Hurdle
Robert Fields has been named Keynote Speaker for the Museum Association of New York: The Power of Partnership Conference, set for March 29th-31st, in Albany. Fields’ keynote is set for 9 am on Tuesday, March 31st.
Fields is the President & Executive Director of Weeksville Heritage Center, an historic house museum in Brooklyn dedicated to keeping the history of one of the largest free black communities in pre-Civil War America relevant and resonant for contemporary audiences. [Read more…] about Weeksville Heritage Director Keynoting Museums Conference
This past November I turned 57. Depending on which demographer you choose to believe, I am either a Baby Boomer or a member of the elusively-defined Generation “X.” My older cousins wore POW-MIA bracelets to honor soldiers captured in the Vietnam War. Some went to Woodstock, others got stuck on the Thruway trying to get there. I was surrounded by people who fought for racial and gender equality, protested against injustice, questioned authority, broke dress codes, and stepped outside of social norms. There was a clear divide from older generations fueled by a mutual lack of trust; places and spaces to come together and agree on politics, music, or values were few and far between. [Read more…] about Don’t Trust Anyone Over (or Under?) 30
The American Alliance of Museums is set to host Museums Advocacy Day on February 24-25, 2020 in Washington, DC. Museums Advocacy Day is an opportunity to join with fellow museum professionals and supporters to make the case for museums. The Museum Association of New York (MANY) is set to lead a New York delegation. [Read more…] about NYS Museum Advocates Headed to DC
The Museum Association of New York (MANY) has announced a Call for Proposals for their 2020 Annual Conference: The Power of Partnership, set for March 29th through 31st in Albany. [Read more…] about 2020 NYS Museums Conference Call for Proposals