There are several museums of deaf culture in the world, but Chriz's work at MDHAC is really amazing. I love her idea of fostering community connections.
To add one idea to her list, I think we can offer our spaces as community resources. Libraries often allow community groups to host meetings and events in their rooms - even for things not at all related to the library's mission. I would love to see a museum offer space to, for example, a trans BIPOC support group that doesn't have the money to book elsewhere. Just opening our spaces to our community can mean a lot - providing a place of respite, resources, and rejuvenation absolutely feels like part of a museum's job to me.
------------------------------
Meredith Peruzzi (she/they)
Museum Accessibility Specialist
Echo Spark Consulting, LLC
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2025 12:31 PM
From: Rachel Alschuler
Subject: What are some of the best ways museums can lead in this complicated world?
Dear Chriz
Thanks, I agree museums can and should do those things. I am glad to see there is a museum of deaf history. All stories should be told in a thought-full way.
Thanks again,
Rachel
------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2025 11:47 AM
From: Christine Dally
Subject: What are some of the best ways museums can lead in this complicated world?
As an awesome keynote presenter at the recent Small Museums Association conference advised, museums can lead by actively engaging with their communities rather than solely expecting visitors to come to their museums. I thought this was an excellent suggestion. In these times, it is valuable to "go to them" in meaningful ways. This doesn't necessarily mean just offering free programming out there-it's also about fostering dialogue, participating in community conversations, and serving as a trusted voice of reason grounded in the expertise that each museum represents.
Keep the faith! We will all get through these complicated times by standing together and believing strongly in the value that all our museums, big or small, provide to America as a whole.
Yours in Deafhood,
Chriz
Chriz Dally, Executive Director
Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture, Inc��Deafhood Institute
455 E. Park Street
Olathe, KS 66061
Together, we will reframe deafness with a transformative perspective that celebrates Deaf people worldwide. MDHAC is dedicated to championing and safeguarding knowledge about Deaf people, their cultures, languages, and experiences both in the USA and across the globe.
Original Message:
Sent: 3/26/2025 12:54:00 PM
From: Rachel Alschuler
Subject: What are some of the best ways museums can lead in this complicated world?
Dear All
I have been wondering about this. What are some of the best ways museums can lead in this complicated world? I know that museums enjoy a high level of trust with the public and that gives museums a platform. I look forward to the responces.
Thank you,
Rachel
------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
------------------------------