"On a recent trip to England, while in the small town of Chichester, I asked a well-dressed, seemingly well-educated hotel clerk for his opinion of a local museum. His response was unfortunately very familiar: "You know, I have lived here all my life and I have no idea where that museum is located and have never really bothered to go see it."
We could all admit to such ignorance or ambivalence at some point in our lives. But the question is, "Why?" Why do we care less about what is just down the road or around the corner than we do about cultural attractions thousands of miles across the ocean? Why do communities often overlook their most intimate treasures, their connections to history, and their centers for creative expression?
2006: Year of the Museum
The year 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the American Association of Museums (AAM). To commemorate, Congress passed resolutions S. Res. 437 and H. Res. 389, declaring this the "Year of the Museum." These resolutions are meant to encourage all Americans to experience, celebrate, and support the museums in their communities, regardless of location, discipline or size.
The AAM and Congress encouraged similar resolutions to be issued at the state, city, and county levels in an effort to build support for the goals and ideals set forth therein. Kentucky quickly followed suit. At the annual meeting of the Kentucky Association of Museums and the Historical Confederation of Kentucky, a "Year of the Museum" proclamation was issued by Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Secretary of State Trey Grayson.
In turn, similar proclamations were issued at the city level, but none from this city. That would have required a collective effort and some unique initiative -an effort that demands the cooperation of local museums, city council members, other elected officials, and a committed and supportive business community.
In the final quarter of 2006, Business Lexington will initiate a proactive campaign to increase public awareness of the numerous museums in this region. We hope to encourage participation and communication between the business community and these museums and to acknowledge those businesses that have offered support to these entities in this most important year.
The Kentucky Association of Museums
Since 1974, The Kentucky Association of Museums has worked to promote interest in and the advancement of museums across Kentucky. Today, local institutions like the University of Kentucky Art Museum, the Lexington History Museum, the American Saddlebred Museum, the Headley-Whitney Museum, the Explorium of Lexington, the Henry Clay Estate, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the Jack Jouett House are members of this organization.
The Kentucky Association of Museums is a 501(c)(3) governed by a 13-member voluntary board of directors. According to the current president, Chris Goodlett, "Initially, the association was created by and for museum professionals and now has over 150 members, mostly at the individual and organization levels.
"However there has been a natural progression, largely driven by our member base, to include for-profit organizations," stated Goodlett. Toward that end, the association has recently added an associate and corporate level to its membership categories.
By becoming a member of KAM, you will have access to a statewide network of cultural and historical attractions. The primary means of disseminating this knowledge is through a monthly e-mail newsletter and a print publication, titled Museum Matters.
In addition, a Web site is currently under construction in an effort to keep members up to date on exhibits, programs and special events happening at organizations within their local communities.
"We would love to increase participation from the business community and encourage corporate support of our publications and Web site," said Goodlett.
According to past president James Wallace, "The business community should recognize the mutual benefits of becoming a member of the Kentucky Association of Museums as museums are, in essence, a conduit to some of the most sophisticated audiences in the commonwealth."
Kentucky Association of Museum Membership Levels
Individual: general public, artists,
museum staff, volunteers, board member and historical organization members.
Organization: museums, historical
and genealogical societies, historic sites, libraries, education institutions, and related nonprofit organizations.
Associate: tourism offices, convention and visitors bureaus, government
agencies and related institutions.
Corporate: for-profit businesses.
For more details on becoming a member, contact Sara Elliott at
(502) 227-2560 or sara@libertyhall.org
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