Open Forum

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

Old Salem Museum and Gardens supplying the foodbanks while also keeping staff employed.

------------------------------
Joan Baldwin
Curator-Special Collections - The Hotchkiss School
Lakeville CT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

The Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania opened its building to the West Philly Bunny Hop as a weekly food distribution site for members of the West Philadelphia community in need of food resources.

------------------------------
Caitlin Palmer
Curatorial Administrative Coordinator
Institute of Contemporary Art - University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center provided art supply and science exploration kits, through the public school lunch distribution sites, and instructional art and STEM videos for Wenatchee Valley students and in support of their parents who found themselves teaching and engaging their kids at home when our schools closed in March 2020. We continue to do this, as well as offering free STEM/history/art programs virtually for school teachers and parents.

------------------------------
Keni Sturgeon
Executive Director
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Wenatchee WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 4/15/2021 11:14:00 AM
From: Keni Sturgeon
Subject: RE: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center provided art supply and science exploration kits, through the public school lunch distribution sites, and instructional art and STEM videos for Wenatchee Valley students and in support of their parents who found themselves teaching and engaging their kids at home when our schools closed in March 2020. We continue to do this, as well as offering free STEM/history/art programs virtually for school teachers and parents.

------------------------------
Keni Sturgeon
Executive Director
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Wenatchee WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

You're awesome, Keni!

------------------------------
Lorie Millward
Vice President of Possibilities
Thanksgiving Point Institute
Lehi, Utah
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2021 11:14 AM
From: Keni Sturgeon
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center provided art supply and science exploration kits, through the public school lunch distribution sites, and instructional art and STEM videos for Wenatchee Valley students and in support of their parents who found themselves teaching and engaging their kids at home when our schools closed in March 2020. We continue to do this, as well as offering free STEM/history/art programs virtually for school teachers and parents.

------------------------------
Keni Sturgeon
Executive Director
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Wenatchee WA

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 4/15/2021 11:14:00 AM
From: Keni Sturgeon
Subject: RE: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center provided art supply and science exploration kits, through the public school lunch distribution sites, and instructional art and STEM videos for Wenatchee Valley students and in support of their parents who found themselves teaching and engaging their kids at home when our schools closed in March 2020. We continue to do this, as well as offering free STEM/history/art programs virtually for school teachers and parents.

------------------------------
Keni Sturgeon
Executive Director
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Wenatchee WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

Brucemore and Feed Iowa First, two non-profits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, partnered to serve the community using a garden on the historic Brucemore grounds to provide fresh produce to those in need.  The project was part of a broader effort by Feed Iowa First that provided 48,600 pounds of fresh produce to over 5,500 households in 2020. Access to fresh produce was vital with the emergence of COVID-19 and the rise of food insecurity in the area. It was was exacerbated when the derecho, a disaster with winds over 120 mph, struck the community in August. The derecho swept across the Midwest causing an estimated $11 billion in damage. The impact of the storm was especially severe in Cedar Rapids, damaging thousands of homes and leaving the most vulnerable at further risk. At Brucemore, the estate sustained approximately $2.5 million of damage, major tree loss, and the work of this program was threatened. Brucemore and volunteers remained committed to this project by recovering the remaining produce and expanding efforts to the historic orchard knowing the surviving food would be even more critical.

------------------------------
Heidi Lung PhD
Director, Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program - University of Iowa
Iowa City IA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township, NJ, shifted its focus to producing crops that were distributed by local food banks in Mercer County. Over 12,000 benefited in some way from what Howell Farm produced (eggs, vegetables, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, oatmeal). Even though they are now open in a limited way for guests, they are still helping the community. Howell Farm is just one of many institutional members of the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums that helped their communities by providing food last year.

https://centraljersey.com/2020/09/02/howell-living-history-farm-produces-crops-for-local-food-banks/

https://www.howellfarm.org/share-the-harvest

------------------------------
Martha Katz-Hyman
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Williamsburg VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------

The Association of Science and Technology Centers has been sharing stories from our members that have been inspiring us. Here are some examples:

• "Science Centers Step Up to Provide Childcare for Essential Workers" (featuring Discovery Center of Springfield, Missouri, and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
• "Combating food insecurity, ASTC members share fresh food with communities" (featuring spectrUM Discovery Area, Missoula, MT; Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, Poughkeepsie, NY; Nurture Nature Center, Easton, PA; Minnetrista, Muncie, IN)
• "How Museums Are Helping Keep Essential Workers Safe" (compilation of many science centers and children's museums using 3D printers and other supplies to make PPE)

------------------------------
Adam Fagen
Director of Communications and Advocacy
Association of Science-Technology Centers
Washington DC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-13-2021 01:47 PM
From: Joseph O'Neill
Subject: What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?

Hello everyone!

After a great discussion last month on environmental sustainability, I'm back to share another Question of the Month from AAM's Field Notes newsletter (consider subscribing if you don't already!)

For March, we asked readers, "What is a memorable example you've seen of museums caring for their community during the pandemic?"

These were the responses:

• "The Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, provided workbooks at public school meal distribution sites for Richmond-area students who had to stay home at the beginning of the pandemic." – Sarah I. Rodriguez
• "[The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland] has helped support students from underserved communities, single-parent households, and working families through this difficult time by offering grade-level, in-person virtual schooling guidance and science education. A small, stable cohort of children in grades K-8 and a museum educator work together to navigate virtual school, socialize, and participate in unique science lessons and demos-live and in person! Eighty percent of enrolled families have been able to attend through scholarships made possible by museum sponsors. That means virtual school support outside of the home is available for everyone in our community, not just those with ample resources." – Catherine Diaz
• "The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas continued to honor local veterans by hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies outdoors on our lawn…We also published weekly e-newsletters telling first-hand stories of veterans from WWII through the War on Terror." – Michel Robertson
• "Museums that have started initiatives to collect people's experiences during the pandemic is a way of caring for the community. People are frustrated, tired, and scared at the moment. So having a chance to let their voice be shared and remembered is cathartic for the community." – Ben Gall

Now, we want to know what the Museum Junction community has to say. Where have you seen museums stepping in to help with the needs the pandemic has created or exposed?

If you're looking for more reading on this topic, the Alliance and Center for the Future of Museums blogs have published some great examples from institutions like the Anacostia Community Museum, Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Louisiana Children's Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

------------------------------
Joseph O'Neill
Content Manager & Editor
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington, VA
joneill@aam-us.org
------------------------------