Good times and great people at SEMC2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. | |
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 five officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Past President) and twelve Council Directors representing many types of museums, career stages, and geographic regions across the southeast. Officers serve two-year terms and Council Directors serve a three-year term. This fall there will be both Council Officer and Director transitions, as members complete their service and new members join the group. The 2024-2025 Council slate will be published soon!
Active service to the SEMC Council includes regular attendance at Council meet-ups and meetings. The full Council meets every other month via Zoom. SEMC staff also attend these meetings and provide updates on SEMC operations, fundraising, and programs. The Council gathers in person two times a year; at the mid-year meeting (March) and again at the SEMC Annual Meeting (October). In-person Council gatherings are a mix of Council business and strategic thought and planning about SEMC's future, finances, and operations.
Thank you to all our Council members for their hard work on behalf of SEMC!
If you want to learn more about Council service, please email Zinnia Willits at zwillits@semcdirect.net.
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Inside SEMC - Summer 2024 | |
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The Summer 2024 edition of Inside SEMC is live! Thank you to all who contributed articles and insights from our region and the museum field.
This edition also contains great information about SEMC2024 in Baton Rouge! Thank you to Nathan Moehlmann of Goosepen Studio and Press for his beautiful design work.
We are fortunate to have many talented industry partners in the SEMC family; click on the interactive ads to learn more about their services!
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2025 Jekyll Island Management Institute
Applications Are Open!
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The Jekyll Island Management Institute (JIMI) is an immersive experience for museum professionals who seek to broaden their understanding of museum operations to advance to management or leadership roles in the museum field.
During the 8-day Institute, participants will learn current best practices of visitor-facing and behind-the-scenes work in museums and consider how these practices will evolve with the field. JIMI attendees will hear from current experts across the museum field and work collaboratively with peers to discuss challenges and solutions to real-world museum issues. SEMC offers this program every other year.
Meet the 2025 JIMI Instructors
Please contact Zinnia Willits with questions about JIMI2025
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The JIMI2023 cohort (pictured above) communicates regularly and support one another. | |
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The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is preparing for the National Museum Survey (NMS), the first federal data collection on museums. The survey will launch in early 2025, and data from this survey will help inform policymakers, the museum field, and the public about the impact and reach of institutions like yours.
We want to make sure all museums of all kinds are counted.
Please update your institution’s contact information by visiting www.imls.gov/NMS to access the contact information form and help shape this vital upcoming collection for the museum sector!
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Join Us in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for The 2024 SEMC Annual Meeting! | |
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The Southeastern Museums Conference will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting October 21-23, 2024 at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
About the 2024 Conference Theme
The 2024 SEMC Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, focuses on innovation and inspiration. How should museums move forward in a rapidly changing world? Over the last four years, we have experienced substantial shifts in governance, economy, community, societal beliefs, and technology. Despite these challenges, how can we continue to inspire our visitorship? Our donors? Our workforce? Let’s explore innovative ideas for change across our field, to ensure museums remain relevant and impactful now and in the future.
Join SEMC attendees for direct conversation, networking, and professional growth and development next fall in Baton Rouge!
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Brad MacDonald is an experienced designer, game designer, artist, musician, and storyteller using technology and his expertise in user experience to craft narratives for museums, cultural institutions and corporate partners. He’s particularly interested in the creative process, using technology to craft deep, human-centric interactions, and the emotions that drive experiences regardless of platform.
Past projects include the FUTURES exhibition at the Smithsonian Arts+Industries Building, consulting on the use of digital technology on the award-winning exhibit, Cellphone: Unseen Connections, at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As the Project Director for Digital Experiences at the Exploratorium in San Francisco he coordinated research and developed guidelines for the creation of digital immersive experiences and oversaw the creation of a digital strategy guide. He was a participant in the Master Planning charrette for the Museum of Man in San Diego, and has taught workshops on iterative and interactive design at Balboa Park, ECSITE, and throughout Europe and China.
Since 2014 he has taught at Parsons School of Design in the Design and Technology program, in NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, and at the China Academy of Arts in Hangzhou, China. In the 14 years he was with Large Animal Games he was the Lead Artist or Art Director for over 100 mobile, online, social and PC downloadable games. At some point in his career, he has been involved in the design of everything from talking toilet seats to internationally touring theatrical productions.
Brad's Keynote Address will be on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 following the SEMC2024 Business Meeting.
Can't make it to Baton Rouge? Make sure to log on to Facebook on 10/23 where we'll live stream the 2024 Keynote Address!
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SEMC2024 Hotel Block - Going, going...... | |
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SEMC2024 Annual Meeting sessions and activities will take place at The Hilton Capitol Center Hotel (201 Lafayette Street) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with evening events hosted at Baton Rouge area cultural institutions.
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 connecting with colleagues easier and helps SEMC keep the Annual Meeting affordable for attendees.
August 30, UPDATE: SEMC's original room block has reached capacity! We have added more rooms and discounted rates are still available at the Hilton on all nights. Visit the link below to check rates.
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SEMC2024 Expo Hall - Limited Space Available! | |
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Greetings, Members!
While the summer heat may still linger, our focus at SEMC is set in Baton Rouge, where the final touches for SEMC2024 are coming together. This year’s conference promises to be an engaging and enriching experience. From dynamic sessions and workshops that offer invaluable professional development, to evening events and meet-ups designed to foster connections with both new and familiar faces. As a fitting finale, attendees can choose to explore Baton Rouge's rich history through a series of tours, offering unique insights into the city's multifaceted past.
Attendees have exciting opportunities to explore Louisiana State University’s (LSU) campus or tour the stadium, including a special meet-and-greet with LSU’s beloved tiger mascot, Mike. They can also take a walking tour showcasing Baton Rouge’s most iconic landmarks. In addition to these experiences, I’m thrilled to spotlight our fourth post-conference offering: the "Looking at Baton Rouge African American Walking Tour." Join Ashley Shoptaugh, Education Curator at the Louisiana Old State Capitol, and Joan Garner, a multi-generational Civil Rights activist and tour guide at the West Baton Rouge Museum, for this enriching journey. Mark your calendars for October 23rd, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM. Pre-registration is required, with a $25 fee that directly supports the SEMC 2025 Travel Scholarship fund.
Don't miss out—register for SEMC 2024 today and sign up for this or one of the three other post-conference tours! Already registered? You can add a tour to your registration! Visit https://www.semcdirect.net/event-5733792
Have a great weekend!
Heather Nowak, SEMC Program Administrator
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Looking at Baton Rouge African American Walking Tour | |
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About this tour:
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and bottled water for a historic downtown Baton Rouge walking tour focused on African American history. The tour will begin at the Old State Capitol where you will learn stories about its original construction. Then, as we continue through downtown, we will trace the history of African American settlement in Baton Rouge, from French and Spanish colonial times, through the antebellum and Civil War periods, into the Civil Rights movement, and up to the modern age. We will finish our tour at the Capitol Park Museum where Joan Garner, daughter of legendary activist John Burrell Garner, will share her father’s story of struggle and achievement.
The tour route is approximately 1.5 miles and will end at its starting point at the Old State Capitol. Stops will include the Old State Capitol “Castle”, The Bus Boycott Civil Rights Marker, Galvez Plaza, the Kress Civil Rights Marker, A.Z. Young Park, and the Capitol Park Museum. The tour begins at the Old State Capitol (100 North Blvd) a 4-minute (.2 miles) walk from the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center.
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About the tour presenters:
Ashley Franklin Shoptaugh
Ashley is the Education Coordinator for the Old State Capitol Museum where she initiates and manages education programming. Originally from New Orleans, Mrs. Shoptaugh has a Bachelor and Master of Arts from Louisiana State University in Anthropology along with a Minor in Classical Civilizations. Committed to history and education, Ms. Shoptaugh formerly served as Special Projects Coordinator for two other Louisiana State Museums. She also worked as an Archeologist and Project Developer for The Office of Cultural Development-Division of Archaeology. For the last 8 years, she taught Introduction to Anthropology classes to college students at Baton Rouge Community College. She previously worked for Shorelight Education-LSU Global, where she taught newly arrived international students to help them acclimate to the United States.
Ashley is excited to share the rich history of Baton Rouge with attendees and says, "I have a tireless love for history and culture. I feel lucky to be a part of this tour."
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Joan Garner
Joan Katherine Lillian Garner is originally from Pointe Coupee Parish. Her father, John B. Garner participated in the Baton Rouge Sit-Ins of 1960 resulting in the significant U.S. Supreme Court case Garner v. Louisiana. This case has been recognized by the Supreme Court Historical Society as one of the most significant oral arguments of the Supreme Court spanning 1955-1993. Joan has a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison State University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English and Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University.
Joan is deeply passionate about advancing racial healing in Baton Rouge and is eager to share the rich history of African Americans in the city, along with the enduring legacy of her father’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Reflecting on this legacy, she notes, “While the history of Garner v. Louisiana has recently gained recognition, there is still a pressing need for apologies and meaningful efforts to address the racial disparities and wealth gap that persist as a result of racial discrimination.”
*Pictured is Joan’s father, John B. Garner.
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Thank You SEMC 2024 Sponsors | |
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities Available! | |
Is your company interested in supporting the SEMC2024 Annual Meeting through sponsorship? Contact Zinnia Willits to learn more about sponsor opportunities, levels and benefits at zwillits@semcdirect.net or 843-224-0876 | |
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Welcome to the Friendly Conference!
To all our first-time conference attendees: Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
We’re thrilled to have you join us for what promises to be an incredible experience of professional development, networking and engaging with colleagues from around the region. We’re excited to share this journey with you and want to let you know about a couple of events designed to help you get the most out of this experience.
Know Before You Go
Mark your calendar and join us on Tuesday, October 8th for an informative Zoom call with all the details you’ll need to have a successful conference. Bring your questions and our staff will be available to make sure you’re prepared for what is shaping up to be an amazing conference.
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SEMC First-Time Attendee Welcome
Make time to attend this event on Monday, October 21st. You can expect a warm SEMC welcome and orientation to professional development opportunities and networking meet-ups. Hear from the SEMC Executive Director and several “seasoned” museum professionals about the art of conferencing! Meet other first-time attendees and be sure to bring your questions.
Our team has worked hard to ensure every moment of the conference is memorable and meaningful; dive in and make the most of it.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy everything we have in store. Here’s to a fantastic time ahead!
Don’t forget to follow us on social media so you can stay in the know about all things SEMC!
Instagram semcdirect
Facebook southeasternmuseums
Twitter semc2
Have a fantastic week,
Carla
Carla Phillips
Membership & Communications Manager
cphillips@semcdirect.net
Thank you for supporting SEMC through membership!
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Navigating the Ecosystem of Museum Careers: Opportunities, Roles, and Pathways
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
6:00PM EST/5:00 PM CST
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The Launchpad Series is back this fall with the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) and the Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) to continue the conversation about navigating the museum field with purpose and clarity.
Have you been curious about the diverse world of museum careers? Wondering how various roles contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of cultural institutions? Join us for “Navigating the Ecosystem of Museum Careers” where we will explore the multifaceted roles and opportunities within the museum sector.
This comprehensive program will provide an in-depth look at how different positions within museums interconnect and contribute to the overall mission of preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage. You’ll gain valuable insights into the diverse career paths available and how each role plays a crucial part in the museum ecosystem.
This program is FREE, but please register.
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SEMC Virtual Happy Hour
Friday, August 30, 2024
5:00PM EST (4:00PM CST)
Yes, that's TODAY! Join your colleagues from around the region for SEMC's monthly virtual happy hour! Bring your drinks and stories from the week....or just show up.
Meet new people! Have a drink and many laughs. Everyone is welcome!
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Meeting ID: 884 5684 9221
Passcode: 216675
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SEMC Ones to Watch spotlights museum talent making an impact across our region.
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SEMC proudly features Brucie Porter, as the One to Watch this month! Brucie is a Research Fellow at Auburn University currently working on exhibits and community outreach for the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium (AAACRHSC) in Birmingham, Alabama.
Brucie's nomination letter highlights the important curatorial work she is undertaking through authentic community engagement, thorough research, and relationship building in several Birmingham communities.
"Brucie joined the AAACRHSC Public History team in February 2023, working directly with St. Paul United Methodist Church in Birmingham on preliminary research for its first permanent exhibition. Brucie was tasked with rediscovering the community and work of the church from 1869 to 1930, and through her dedicated research the current congregation has been reintroduced to more than a century of social justice work that made the church well-equipped to support the Birmingham Campaign in 1963. She is currently supporting work in Montgomery's Centennial Hill neighborhood--a historically Black neighborhood, home to many affluent people-- as the organization explores ways to protect the heritage sites from development encroachment. Brucie's attention to detail, willingness to leave no stone unturned, and support of other staff has been an undeniable asset."
Congratulations Brucie Porter: 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!
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Charlotte History Museum Awarded National Park Service Grant! | |
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The National Park Service (NPS) recently awarded $10 million in funding from the Semiquincentennial Grant Program, an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. “Since its founding, our nation has been shaped by an exceptionally diverse collection of cultures, events, and places” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “The Semiquincentennial Grant Program supports our efforts to present a more complete telling of our country’s history as we approach its 250th anniversary in 2026, and beyond.”
Only nineteen historic sites from around the nation were selected for this round of funding, one of which was the Charlotte Museum of History, which was awarded $444,500 to complete restoration work on the 1774 Rock House, the oldest home in Mecklenburg County. The house is the former home of Hezekiah Alexander, one of the framers of North Carolina’s first constitution and first bill of rights and who is also believed to be a signer of the legendary Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
“We are thrilled to have been selected for this grant and are excited to have resources available to do the work necessary to preserve this home for generations to come. Although we have expanded the stories we share with our programming and exhibits, we have always recognized that this house and all the histories connected to it are at the heart of our existence and mission,” said Terri L. White, president & CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History.
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Congratulations Charlotte History Museum! #SEMCProud | |
SEMC Industry Partner Spotlight: Wonderworld | |
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SEMC is pleased to feature a new corporate member, Wonderworld!
Does your organization have a story to tell? Are you looking for a team that can take your vision and produce an unforgettable video?
Michael Reynolds, Dorne Pentes, and Ivica Bilich are the three passionate, funny, filmmakers and storytellers who make up Wonderworld. This trio has been producing great videos for clients for a long time, and while fun is inserted in all they do, it’s their professionalism that shines through with each project they complete.
From short commercial spots to long-form documentaries and corporate spotlights, Wonderworld has been there and done that, successfully. The creative team also specializes in taking a client’s outside-the-box ideas to create stories that are unique and enjoyable. Wonderworld’s pre-production services offer a full suite of options that include storyboarding, casting, and talent services, as well as assistance in securing equipment, locations, or crew needed to make sure the client’s story is well told.
In addition, their production services will take an idea or concept to fruition. With years of experience and a talented crew, Wonderworld gives clients access to resources unparalleled throughout the Southeast. Editing, motion graphics, animation and sound production are all handled by their core creative team on state-of-the-art equipment. From the Director of Photography to the on-set craft service, the Wonderworld team is passionate and committed to ensuring your project is handled by the best in the industry.
To learn more about the Wonderworld team and services, visit their website: https://wonderworldtv.net/
Check out some of their work at:
https://wonderworldtv.net/# https://vimeo.com/61290522
Thank you Wonderworld Creative for joining the SEMC community!
Make sure to visit their booth at the SEMC2024 Expo
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SEMC: Posts that made us stop scrolling and LOOK this week.... | |
Godzilla will always stop our scroll. Thank you to the National World War II Museum for keeping things interesting! | |
Hello, collections folks who are looking for "museum adjacent" careers......
Yowza, Atelier 4....so fancy with your "bespoke" art installations! #SEMCProud
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Thank you to the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia for a meaningful post to encourage us to pause and reflect. #breathe. | Not sure what's going to happen at The Jule's "Night at the Museum" but we want to party with this guy! | | |
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 2024 to provide training, connection, and resources to our southeastern museums' community.
THANK YOU!
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SEMC: Around the Region..... | |
SEMC staff has the opportunity to interact with members across the region each week...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! | |
Demond Melancon Exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art - Charleston, SC | |
August 23 through December 7, “As Any Means Are Necessary” | |
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In his first solo museum exhibition, New Orleans artist and Big Chief Demond Melancon brings his intricate beadwork to Charleston’s Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Running from August 23 through December 7, “As Any Means Are Necessary” pays tribute to the Black Masking Culture of New Orleans, a 200-year-old tradition honoring the pivotal role Native Americans played in supporting the Underground Railroad.
The exhibition features pieces of the elaborate, sculptural, and one-hundred-and-fifty-pound suits worn during Mardi Gras, alongside his characterful beaded portraits of cultural, political, and personal icons, like James Booker, Louis Armstrong, and former Supreme creative director, Tremaine Emory. Characterized by vibrant hand-sewn glass beads and meticulous craftsmanship, Melancon reimagines the conventional representation of Black identity, celebrating resilience and cultural history with each stitch. - Harriett Shepherd, W Magazine.
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Thank you SEMC members for all you do for the museums in our region! | |
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Dear SEMC,
This month was a lot on top of a lot. All I have to end this E-News and the month is a post that made me laugh out loud.
Sometimes that's enough.
Also...this real estate strategy might be genius.
Have a great weekend!
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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Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
