The American Alliance of Museums has been publishing regular updates with the latest information on advocacy efforts aimed at preserving federal support for arts and culture. Information changes rapidly, and social media channels often provide the most up-to-the-minute information. AAM's Advocacy Center is an excellent resource for talking points to use when contacting legislators about issues facing museums and the latest calls to action. Check this link often. All voices and efforts matter.
| | | SEMC Council - Nominations and 2025 Member Mingle | | Learn more about what the SEMC Council is working toward on behalf of all SEMC members. Questions about the work of the SEMC Council? Please reach out to Zinnia Willits to put you in contact with individual Council members. | |
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The SEMC Council is comprised of exceptional museum professionals who offer their time and talent to SEMC. This is both an advisory board and a working Council of individuals recognized for their leadership skills and nominated by their peers to serve. The 17 Council members lead committees focused on SEMC programs, finance, development, membership, and partnerships. They devote hours to strategic planning and purposeful visioning about who and what we are as a professional organization and how best to meet the needs of the membership. These leaders also support the efforts of SEMC staff in many day-to-day operations, including fiscal oversight and organizational adjustment and growth. Council members are passionate leaders who help ensure SEMC remains responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Council members serve three-year terms, and each year, new opportunities arise as outgoing members complete their service. Nominations for open seats are made by current Council members, who look to their peers for passionate and committed individuals ready to help lead SEMC into the future. If you are interested in being part of this important work, we encourage you to reach out to a current Council member to learn more about the role and share your interest in future service. Your voice and perspective are valued, and we would love to hear from you!
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Last month, members of the Southeastern Museums Conference, including SEMC Council members Calinda Lee, Katie Ericson, and Matt Davis, gathered at Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta for an evening of connection, relaxation, and community-building. The event brought together professionals from museums, historic sites, galleries, and cultural institutions for a vibrant mix of networking and conversation. It was a beautiful reflection of SEMC’s spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, leaving attendees energized and excited for the programs and events ahead.
These regional mixers are made possible thanks to the generous support of organizations and individuals (thank you, Oakland Cemetery, Erco Lighting, Patterson Pope, and Our Fundraising Search) who believe in the power of peer-to-peer engagement and who give their time and resources to help strengthen our community. We are deeply grateful for the local efforts that continue to bring cultural professionals together across the Southeast.
| | | Council CUPdate - Congratulations North Carolina! | | |
The SEMC Council Cup celebrates individual giving and awards the state that collectively contributes the most to SEMC’s annual giving campaign.
Congratulations to North Carolina for (once again!) taking the top spot in the FY2025 Council Cup fundraiser! Thanks to the incredible generosity and team spirit of our North Carolina members and supporters, they’ve claimed the coveted Cup and bragging rights for the second year in a row! We'll celebrate this wonderful philanthropic support at the SEMC2025 Annual Meeting in Montgomery.
However, the competition isn’t over—the FY2026 Council Cup is officially underway! It’s time for all states in the SEMC region to rally their networks, support SEMC’s mission, and see who will rise to the top over this next year. Let the friendly rivalry begin!
SEMC strengthens the Southeast museum community by empowering professionals, fostering collaboration, and advancing best practices. Supporting SEMC is an investment in the future of museums and cultural heritage in our region. With increased financial backing, SEMC can continue to advocate for the field and ensure that museums remain vibrant centers of learning, culture, and community engagement. We invite YOU to join us in strengthening the museum sector by contributing to SEMC’s mission.
Click the button below to contribute to the FY2026 Council Cup. Under “Purpose for Donation,” please select “General Operating” and then add “Council Cup Challenge” in the comment section.
Thank you for being part of SEMC's future!
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Better late than never, we are proud to share the SEMC 2024 Annual Report!
Discover the impact, innovation, and inspiration that shaped the Southeastern museum community in 2024.
From transformative programs to powerful partnerships, the SEMC Annual Report highlights our collective achievements and future vision. Dive in and see how we’re building stronger museums together.
| | Inside SEMC - Summer 2025: Last Call for Articles | | |
Would you like to add "publications" to your resume? Submit an article for the summer 2025 issue of Inside SEMC! This is a terrific opportunity to let the SEMC community know about the great work/projects/hires/exhibits that are happening at your institution.
SEMC Industry Partners, this publication is for you, too! Share what’s happening at your company and take advantage of reaching a regional audience.
The deadline to submit articles is July 31st.
| | JOIN US FOR SEMC2025 : October 20-22, Montgomery, AL | | |
The Southeastern Museums Conference will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting October 20-22, 2025 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama.
Montgomery is a city where history, culture, and creativity intertwine in unforgettable ways. As the birthplace of the modern Civil Rights Movement, it’s home to powerful landmarks like the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Rosa Parks Museum. But Montgomery isn’t just about the past. It’s a vibrant, forward-looking city with a thriving arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and incredible Southern food. From live music and public art to walkable downtown streets filled with charm, Montgomery offers a warm welcome and a story around every corner!
About the 2025 Conference Theme
Developed by the Montgomery local arrangements committee, the 2025 SEMC Conference theme, Future Forward: Reach, Remember, Reclaim, reflects the way Montgomery museums are looking toward the future by embracing new voices and new interpretations. We must reach into the community, remember and reconcile our past, and reclaim our community stories and spaces. In Montgomery, let's explore emerging trends and technologies in museums, share solutions and success stories, and come together to find a way forward.
Join SEMC attendees for community, networking, and professional growth this fall in Montgomery!
| | SEMC2025 Hotel Block - Filling Fast | | | | |
SEMC2025 Annual Meeting sessions and activities will take place at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel (201 Talapoosa Street), with evening events hosted at cultural institutions and landmarks around the city.
SEMC Annual Meetings are about connecting with colleagues, sharing ideas, and networking. We help facilitate community by contracting with a hotel for a discounted room block and centralizing meeting spaces. Staying in the official headquarters hotel makes interacting with colleagues easier and helps SEMC keep the Annual Meeting affordable for attendees.
The cut-off date for reservations is September 27, 2025, or when the block is full, whichever comes first.
SEMC room blocks fill quickly.
Book NOW to ensure the lowest rates!
| | | SEMC2025 Expo Hall - Reserve Your Space | | Industry Partners filled the SEMC2024 Expo Hall with energy and museum services. SEMC appreciates this effort to attend our Annual Meeting and looks forward to welcoming you to SEMC2025 in Montgomery! Expo space selection is open for companies interested in connection with hundreds of museum professional from across the southeast. | | | SEMC 2025 Leadership Awards: Nominate a Colleague Today! | | |
Please consider (yes, YOU!) recognizing the outstanding leaders among us by nominating a colleague for one of the SEMC Leadership Awards. This is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate museum professionals who consistently go above and beyond, those who inspire others, drive positive change, and embody the values of strong, effective leadership at all career stages.
Your nominations honor dedication and impact, and shine a light on the incredible work being done across our communities. Don’t miss this chance to give well-deserved recognition to someone who truly makes a difference.
Nominations will be accepted through July 31, 2025.
| | | SEMC2025 - Workshop Highlight | | |
Greetings, Members!
While summer may be in full swing, fall is just around the corner, which means SEMC2025 is fast approaching! Now is the perfect time to secure your spot at this year’s Annual Meeting in Montgomery. With a robust lineup of sessions, hands-on workshops, lively evening events, and unparalleled networking opportunities, SEMC2025 promises the connection and inspiration you've come to expect from our gathering of museum professionals.
The 2025 Annual Meeting offers a dynamic lineup of sessions and workshops. Today, I’m excited to highlight an exciting workshop you don’t want to miss:
Video Killed the Radio Star: A Hands-On Approach to Video From Ideation to Production, and Back
Tuesday, October 21st | 8:45 AM
Led by Gregory Hardison, Emily Crowe, and Kristopher White, this interactive workshop will give attendees the tools to confidently create meaningful video content. With experience ranging from film, television, and podcasts to social media (with over 15 million views!), YouTube, theatre, and education, these presenters are ready to help you harness the power of video.
Attendees can expect:
- Practical strategies for planning mission-driven video content that connects with your audience.
- Hands-on experience using tools, apps, and platforms to develop content for marketing or educational use.
- Foundational knowledge to launch or strengthen your institution’s video efforts.
Whether you're just starting or ready to take your content to the next level, this workshop will inspire and empower you.
Ready to build your video skills? Join Gregory, Emily, and Kristopher at SEMC2025 on Tuesday, October 21st at 8:45 AM.
Have a great week!
Heather Nowak, SEMC Program Administrator
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Emily Crowe is the Social Media Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, where she collaborates across the Museum to create scientifically accurate and engaging content for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. In her role, she creates a variety of media, including short-form video that utilizes the expertise of scientists, educators, and curators to share the wonders of the natural world. Since beginning at the Museum in the summer 2023, her content has been viewed over 15 million times. She previously worked at the Kentucky Department of Tourism, developing social media content, working with influencers, and showcasing the beauty of the Bluegrass State. Emily has a MAT in Museum Education from George Washington University and a BA in History from Georgetown College.
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Greg Hardison is a seasoned museum and public history professional with over 26 years of service at the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), where he currently serves as Creative Engagement Specialist. In this role and others, including Museum Theatre Director, Camp director, and now media producer, Greg combined historical scholarship with creative storytelling to make Kentucky’s history accessible and engaging. He currently produces the Kentucky Chronicles podcast; Kentucky Ancestors television show; manages, films, and edits all of the video content for KHS social media. Greg was also a playwright and Museum Theatre director for 15 years, producing over 60 impactful pieces. Additionally, he served as director of Camp ArtyFact, an education camp for ages 5-12 that explored Kentucky's historical events, themes, and characters through hands-on learning, creative play, and the arts.
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Kris White is the Director of Education and Events at the American Battlefield Trust. A graduate of Norwich University with an M.A. in Military History and California University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in History, he served as a ranger-historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Kris has also served as a historian on the Penn-Trafford Recreation Board and as a continuing education instructor for the Community College of Allegheny County. He is the co-founder and chief historian emeritus of Emerging Civil War and co-creator of the Emerging Civil War Series. An award-winning speaker, editor, and video producer, Kris has authored, co-authored, or edited over two dozen books. He is a key component of the American Battlefield Trust YouTube channel, where he helped to create the Trust's live video series and frequently leads tours and staff rides in the United States and Europe.
| | | Thank you SEMC 2025 Sponsors | | Is your company interested in supporting the SEMC2025 Annual Meeting through sponsorship? Contact Zinnia Willits to learn more about sponsor opportunities, levels and benefits at zwillits@semcdirect.net or 843-224-0876 | | |
Join the SEMC2025 Volunteer Team!
Ready to get more involved, build meaningful connections, and make new friends?
Volunteers are essential to the success of the SEMC Annual Meeting and help with everything from registration and session logistics to event support and wayfinding.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to be at the center of the action and receive a discounted conference registration.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait. Contact me at cphillips@semcdirect.net to sign up and help make SEMC2025 an unforgettable experience for everyone!
Let’s build a stronger museum community together.
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Remember to follow us on social media to stay informed about all things SEMC!
Instagram
Facebook
X - @SEMC2
We appreciate your membership support and welcome your feedback.
Have a fantastic week,
Carla
Carla Phillips
Membership & Communications Manager
cphillips@semcdirect.net
Thank you for supporting SEMC through membership!
| | Upcoming Virtual Programs | | | | |
SEMC Virtual Happy Hour
Friday, July 11, 2025
5:00 PM
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Join your colleagues from around the region for SEMC's monthly virtual happy hour! Bring your drinks and stories from the week. SEMC happy hours are a great place to be in community.
Meet new people and have a few laughs. Everyone is welcome!
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Meeting ID: 884 5684 9221
Passcode: 216675
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Let's Talk Museum Stores!
Thursday, Augut 21, 2025
11:00AM EST
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Discover how mission-driven museum stores can deepen visitor engagement, foster community impact, and strengthen your museum’s identity.
Through interactive polls, real-world examples, and collaborative discussions, this program will explore how curated products, local partnerships, and cross-departmental collaboration empower you to champion your store’s unique position within the museum’s mission.
Whether managing the store is your main role or one of many, this session offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you lead with purpose.
This program is FREE for SEMC members and $15 for not-yet-members.
| | | SEMC Ones to Watch spotlights museum talent making an impact across our region. | | |
This month, SEMC proudly features Kari Baker as the One to Watch! Kari is the Director of Education at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) in Jackson.
Kari's nomination highlights her many accomplishments at MDAH (in a short period!) and conveys how her positive attitude and passion for education have benefited the MDAH Education Department as a whole!
"Kari came to MDAH after more than a decade in the classroom and has been an irreplaceable asset ever since. In her three years at the department, Kari has streamlined and overhauled the education team program process, ensuring that it’s less hectic and more convenient for all involved. She has become a successful grant writer, applying for and receiving every grant for which she has written or co-written. She also oversees the education materials, creating high-quality, beneficial activities and lessons for classrooms. Kari is at the helm of the ED team’s internship program, cultivating an incredible experience for the interns under her tutelage. In general, she is also just a pleasure to work with and a great Director of Education. Kari has been nothing short of impeccable since coming to MDAH, and she will continue to excel and thrive."
Congratulations Kari Baker: One to Watch!
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Consider nominating an emerging or mid-career museum professional as a "one to watch" and help SEMC identify and recognize those who are enhancing the profession in a special way and working to make a difference in their community through work in a museum. Nominees do not have to be current SEMC members. In fact, we'll give non-members an individual membership in recognition of their great work!
| | Join Us in Celebrating SEMC’s First Lifetime Member and New Membership Options! | | |
We are thrilled to announce the introduction of two new SEMC membership levels and mark a special milestone in the process! Please join us in celebrating Deborah Van Horn, the first-ever SEMC Lifetime Member. Deb has been a valuable part of the SEMC community for many years. Currently serving as a dedicated curator at Walt Disney Imagineering and as SEMC Council Secretary, Deb has also been a passionate advocate for collections care and collections professionals across the region. Her contributions to the SEMC community have helped shape many conversations around best practices, innovation, and the future of museum collections management and registration. As SEMC’s inaugural Lifetime Member, Deb’s commitment to our mission is truly inspiring.
In anticipation of SEMC’s 75th Anniversary in 2026, we now invite you to consider upgrading to a Lifetime Membership. This one-time investment secures your place in SEMC’s future, honors its rich legacy, and is a meaningful way to demonstrate your enduring support for the Southeastern museum field at this landmark moment in our history.
We are also excited to introduce the Individual Two-Year Premium Level, offering members even more opportunities for involvement, resources, and professional development. Whether you’re ready to make a lifelong commitment or prefer a flexible two-year option, these new membership levels offer greater access and engagement with our ever-growing museum community.
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SEMC Institutional Member Spotlight:
The Children’s Hands‑On Museum of Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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This month, SEMC is excited to feature the Children's Hands-On Museum (CHOM) of Tuscaloosa, an institutional member since, 2004!
Spanning three floors with over 24 hands-on exhibits, monthly theme days, holiday celebrations, and kid-focused workshops, CHOM is a dynamic, educational playground that blends history, culture, science, and art in an interactive setting that is perfect for families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages. Coming later this year, Tuscaloosa’s Children’s Hands-On Museum will be reimagined as IGNITE, an interactive platform for STEAM-based learning for people of all ages. Just like Tuscaloosa, the museum is growing, changing, and ready for bigger and better things with a new name, look, and location at the Saban Center. Exciting things happening in Tuscaloosa!
Play with a Purpose!
Thank you CHOM for your membership with SEMC!
| | SEMC: Posts that made us stop scrolling and LOOK....4th of July edition.... | | SEMC IS THANKFUL FOR ALL NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS! | |
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We greatly appreciate your support through membership and will continue to work hard in 2025 to provide training, connection, and resources to our southeastern museums' community.
THANK YOU!
| | | | SEMC: Around the Region..... | | SEMC staff have the opportunity to interact with members across the region and we see and hear so much. Watch this E-News feature for information we pick up in weekly calls, emails, Zooms, and in-person visits with members! | | Do you know about the National Scrollathon? | | Portrait Mural of 450 participants, National Scrollathon, Auburn, AL | |
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Not sure how we missed this last year, but we have recently been reminded about the launch of the National Scrollathon at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University in 2024. This engagement endures as Alabama’s contribution to America’s 2026 Semiquincentennial and its goal of telling our story through the collaborative creation and presentation of world-class art.
From March 11-15, 2024, over 450 Community Artists from Alabama participated in sessions at The Jule where they created individual artworks kept as personal artifacts, contributed to a Collaborative Masterwork, and had individual photographic portraits created. The five days concluded with a celebration of the Collaborative Masterwork, Made for More, which was installed at the Museum along with a Portrait Mural and Signature Plate showcasing each participant. Additionally, a series of storytelling videos of participants was recorded!
The National Scrollathon is a nationwide initiative offering meaningful engagement to people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities through the creation and presentation of monumental Collaborative Masterworks of art from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., 5 U.S. territories, and Native Community Regional Centers, all in celebration of America’s 250th Birthday in 2026.
A belated congratulations to The Jule for their participation in this incredible project!
| | Thank you SEMC members for all you do for the museums in our region! | | |
Dear SEMC,
2025 has been an incredible year of regional discovery, and I have had the privilege of deepening my connection to Alabama as we prepare for SEMC2025 in Montgomery this fall! My recent Blackbelt Biscuit Experience with Chef Scott Peacock was nothing short of transformative; a soulful journey through food, memory, and the rich cultural fabric of Alabama’s Black Belt.
Surrounded by the scent of freshly milled flour and the quiet wisdom of tradition (in a historic home with a spectacular modern kitchen in Marion, Alabama), I found myself immersed not just in the culinary arts of cornbread and biscuit-making but in the stories that connect food to place, identity, and belonging.
The experience celebrated Southern foodways as living history, deeply rooted, tenderly preserved, and powerfully shared. Even more meaningful was the fellowship with several SEMC museum directors, whose warmth, insight, and camaraderie added layers of connection and reflection. We gathered not only to make biscuits and cornbread but to feed our spirits.
I left this experience with a full heart and a deeper appreciation for the people and traditions that shape our region. As we look ahead to SEMC2025 in Montgomery, I hope you’ll take time to celebrate the richness of Southern culture in all its forms, through food, stories, music, and community. There’s so much to savor.
Sincerely,
Zinnia Willits
Executive Director
zwillits@semcdirect.net
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SOUTHEASTERN MUSEUMS CONFERENCE
P.O. Box 550746 | Atlanta, GA 30355
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