How can you attract more visitors to your house museum and then deliver such a fun engaging tour that they keep coming back for more?

MALHM's fall workshop explores two tools for improving audience engagement: Instagram and creative storytelling in interpretation. The full-day workshop will also includes a session on house museum security and a planning session for the House Museum Affinity Group.

Join us on Monday, Oct. 24 at Ramsey House in St. Paul for a full day of learning:

• Jane Pederson from Glensheen Mansion (Duluth) will show how her organization has drawn new audiences with Instagram, explain how to host an Instameet and offer tips for shooting great photos. Bring your smart phone or a camera to practice shooting photos at Ramsey House in our own mini-Instameet.
• Jayne Becker from Ramsey House (St. Paul) will demonstrate how her staff uses storytelling to revitalize their tours and engage visitors. Learn how you can train your docents to re-imagine their traditional tours and create a connection with visitors.
• Aaron Novodvorsky from the Minnesota Historical Society will address "Historic Site & Museum Security & Key Management." What type of security system do you have at your site?  When was the last time the security code was changed?  How many people have keys to your site?  How do you keep your site secure when you're an all volunteer organization?  When was the last time the local first responders visited your site?  This is a group discussion session for keeping our sites and our staffs, our volunteers, and our visitors safer and more secure.

The agenda will also include time for the group to discuss 2016-2017 goals and an action plan, discuss additional training needs, and provide input on the 2017 MALHM Conference (April 26-27 in Walker, MN).

Cost is $15 for MALHM members and $25 for non-members. See program for full agenda and registration form. Send form along with payment to: Jill Wohnoutka, Kandiyohi County Historical Society, 610 NE Hwy. 71, Willmar, MN 56201.  Sign  up today! Space is limited to 50 participants.

The price does not include lunch. The group will walk to a nearby restaurant for conversation and networking  mid-day. On-site parking is free.

Contact MALHM Coordinator Marci Matson if you have questions or ideas for future events.

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In our February 2016 survey, MALHM members’ top vote for new benefits was “additional workshops and networking opportunities throughout the state."

You asked; we answered with two “MALHM Mingle” dates: Sept. 21 at Nicollet County Historical Society in St. Peter and an April date TBD at Becker County Historical Society in Detroit Lakes. The events will focus on traveling exhibits such as "Water/Ways" from the Smithsonian at both facilities. Learn from your peers on how to make traveling exhibits work for your organization.

Each museum exhibit offers a personalized take on water history in their communities, but the presentation portion is identical. “We wanted to offer a central location for the north half of the state and one for the south half,” said MALHM President Dustin Heckman.

The Sept. 21 event will  begin at 6 p.m. with a tour of the exhibit, followed by an informal discussion while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar.

In addition to the Smithsonian program, participants will discuss their experiences with other options, including the Minnesota Historical Society’s traveling exhibits program. Head of MNHS’s “Exhibits to Go” program, Lisa  Friedlander will talk about current offerings as well as  seek ideas from attendees.
  
“I’m actively looking for feedback for how we can improve the usability of the exhibits, and some ideas we have for future content,” she said.

After the informal presentation, attendees will have time to connect with colleagues on other topics. Admission is free for MALHM members; $5 for non-members. RSVP by emailing Coordinator Marci Matson at marci@minnesotahistorymuseums.org or calling 612-500-7460 by Friday, Sept. 16.