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  • 1.  "Holiday" Season inclusivity practices in programming/decorating/SHOP

    Posted 10-02-2024 06:09 PM

    I am working on creating some institutional messaging to better guide our internal understanding on appropriately considering the delicate nuance of inclusivity related to the "holiday season" and how as an arts museum we can articulate to our programmers/staff the fact that this time of year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate our diverse backgrounds and experiences while acknowledging that many individuals engage with this season in varied ways.  

    I am curious and wonder if any of you in the community have drafted guidelines, memos, or standard practices that guide the institutional mindset on this topic and provide some guardrails and ways in which to provide clarity to staff on what is accepted and desired as far as programming, decor, store merchandise, music, etc. is concerned.  

    Any suggestions or sharing of resources or documentation you have already created  would be greatly appreciated.  I'm not trying to re-create the wheel and I am also very interested to see what other museums in the field are doing to navigate this topic.  

    Best, 

    Jamie 

    Director of DEI, John Michael Kohler Arts Center 

    Sheboygan WI

    JMKAC.org



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    Jamie Haack
    Director of DEI
    John Michael Kohler Arts Center
    Sheboygan WI
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  • 2.  RE: "Holiday" Season inclusivity practices in programming/decorating/SHOP

    Posted 10-03-2024 02:47 PM

    Jamie:  You may want to check out a brand  new AASLH publication, Interpreting Christmas at Museums and Historic Sites, edited by Ken Turino and Max vanBalgooy. It covers planning, public programs, and diverse holiday traditions as well as Christmas.  I hope you find it helpful.  I am one of the co-authors of a chapter on "A Religious History Framework for Interpreting Christmas and Other Holiday Traditions." It is published by Rowman&Littlefield. 



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    Barbara Franco
    Consultant/Independent Professional
    [Harrisburg] [PA]
    GettysburgGettysburgGettysburg
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