Sharon,
Census data is one of the cornerstones of my work (and I know many people's work) in local history, informing exhibitions, guided and self-guided tours, walking and bus tours, programming, and writing of all kinds. Right now using it to develop an archaeology activity for a children's history exhibit in suburban south Jersey, and in my work on a walking tour of Baltimore's old Polish community. Like Anne, I also use current data when doing strategic planning--and during exhibit planning--to spark discussions and questions about community and audience. Thanks for giving us another tool.
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Dean Krimmel
Exhibit Developer/Interpretive Planner
Baltimore MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-24-2015 07:33 AM
From: Anne Ackerson
Subject: Census Data in exhibits
Sharon,
As an aside, but an important one, I use current Census information as background material for strategic planning retreats and find it to be a valuable tool in helping organizations (mostly cultural institutions) think about their communities. Most of them have never used this type of data before in planning.
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Anne Ackerson
Independent Consultant and Former Director, Museum Association of New York
Troy, NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2015 05:34 PM
From: Sharon Lacey
Subject: Census Data in exhibits
As the new Chief Historian at the US Census Bureau, I have started an outreach to museums in order to show census data in action. As a start, I am looking to get photos and a short description of exhibits that either display census data or used one of the census surveys for research. We would like to share this photos, descriptions and a link to your museum on our Instagram and our website.
In addition, I wanted to offer the services of my staff to assist your staff in any way possible as you create innovative and informative exhibits. The Census Bureau does more than just the Decennial Census - in fact we conduct more than 100 surveys every year and have data on everything that could possibly be measured in demographics, geography, recreation, economics and more! Please see our website to see how far reaching our data is.
History - U.S. Census Bureau
Thanks in advance!
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Sharon Lacey PhD
Chief Historian
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