Open Forum

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

Can I say this here?

I wish AAM had found a better solution than disbanding the Professional Networks (PNs). It's my understanding that the organization felt there were some structural/equity problems with the PN's but abandoning the Networks all together was the wrong choice. Don't get me wrong. Museum professionals, both internal to Museums and working in the for-profit sector are just as committed as ever to our work. We are redeveloping our Professional Networks without the support of AAM. But the message then was as clear as it is now, AAM has chosen to leave behind museum workers to focus on the interests of museum executives. 

As much as I appreciate the Open Forum, and these prompts to cajole conversation, this is no replacement for the community, collaboration, and leadership that came from the amazing connections built in the former PN's. Fortunately, there are some great people out there rebuilding the PN's without AAM. I'm grateful for all of their effort to support the people that work in and for museums. That's one thing I wouldn't change, all the amazing people I have met as working in the field.

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

Can I say this here?

I wish AAM had found a better solution than disbanding the Professional Networks (PNs). It's my understanding that the organization felt there were some structural/equity problems with the PN's but abandoning the Networks all together was the wrong choice. Don't get me wrong. Museum professionals, both internal to Museums and working in the for-profit sector are just as committed as ever to our work. We are redeveloping our Professional Networks without the support of AAM. But the message then was as clear as it is now, AAM has chosen to leave behind museum workers to focus on the interests of museum executives. 

As much as I appreciate the Open Forum, and these prompts to cajole conversation, this is no replacement for the community, collaboration, and leadership that came from the amazing connections built in the former PN's. Fortunately, there are some great people out there rebuilding the PN's without AAM. I'm grateful for all of their effort to support the people that work in and for museums. That's one thing I wouldn't change, all the amazing people I have met as working in the field.

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

Can I say this here?

I wish AAM had found a better solution than disbanding the Professional Networks (PNs). It's my understanding that the organization felt there were some structural/equity problems with the PN's but abandoning the Networks all together was the wrong choice. Don't get me wrong. Museum professionals, both internal to Museums and working in the for-profit sector are just as committed as ever to our work. We are redeveloping our Professional Networks without the support of AAM. But the message then was as clear as it is now, AAM has chosen to leave behind museum workers to focus on the interests of museum executives. 

As much as I appreciate the Open Forum, and these prompts to cajole conversation, this is no replacement for the community, collaboration, and leadership that came from the amazing connections built in the former PN's. Fortunately, there are some great people out there rebuilding the PN's without AAM. I'm grateful for all of their effort to support the people that work in and for museums. That's one thing I wouldn't change, all the amazing people I have met as working in the field.

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

Can I say this here?

I wish AAM had found a better solution than disbanding the Professional Networks (PNs). It's my understanding that the organization felt there were some structural/equity problems with the PN's but abandoning the Networks all together was the wrong choice. Don't get me wrong. Museum professionals, both internal to Museums and working in the for-profit sector are just as committed as ever to our work. We are redeveloping our Professional Networks without the support of AAM. But the message then was as clear as it is now, AAM has chosen to leave behind museum workers to focus on the interests of museum executives. 

As much as I appreciate the Open Forum, and these prompts to cajole conversation, this is no replacement for the community, collaboration, and leadership that came from the amazing connections built in the former PN's. Fortunately, there are some great people out there rebuilding the PN's without AAM. I'm grateful for all of their effort to support the people that work in and for museums. That's one thing I wouldn't change, all the amazing people I have met as working in the field.

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

Can I say this here?

I wish AAM had found a better solution than disbanding the Professional Networks (PNs). It's my understanding that the organization felt there were some structural/equity problems with the PN's but abandoning the Networks all together was the wrong choice. Don't get me wrong. Museum professionals, both internal to Museums and working in the for-profit sector are just as committed as ever to our work. We are redeveloping our Professional Networks without the support of AAM. But the message then was as clear as it is now, AAM has chosen to leave behind museum workers to focus on the interests of museum executives. 

As much as I appreciate the Open Forum, and these prompts to cajole conversation, this is no replacement for the community, collaboration, and leadership that came from the amazing connections built in the former PN's. Fortunately, there are some great people out there rebuilding the PN's without AAM. I'm grateful for all of their effort to support the people that work in and for museums. That's one thing I wouldn't change, all the amazing people I have met as working in the field.

------------------------------
Bart Hays
Principal/Operations
Pacific Grove CA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2025 12:56 PM
From: Rachel Alschuler
Subject: If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be?

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
------------------------------

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
------------------------------

Thanks for your questions and responses.

Like so many of my colleagues and friends, I found my way to AAM and my place within the larger museum field through the Professional Networks. We know that the dissolution of the PNs has left a hole in our community and that it has taken us a long time to start to fulfill our promise of restructuring these types of networks.

In 2026, AAM is piloting new communities of practice for ongoing peer connection. Our goal is to rebuild a supportive structure that draws on the best of the past while addressing previous challenges. This summer, we've engaged the field through focus groups, surveys, and interviews to inform this new approach. As was mentioned earlier in this thread, some of the former PNs are thriving outside of a formal AAM structure, either as individual groups or within other associations or organizations. We aim to collaborate respectfully with existing groups and organizations, filling gaps and providing support, not duplicating efforts.

Additionally, in 2026-2027, we'll launch new professional development programs and a learning management system, to center and support museum workers at all career stages, especially emerging and mid-career professionals.

We're excited to move forward and value your input-please contact us at aamcommunities@aam-us.org with any thoughts or questions.

With gratitude,
Grace

------------------------------
Grace Stewart
AVP, Museum Practice Management & Coalition Building
American Alliance of Museums
Arlington VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2025 12:56 PM
From: Rachel Alschuler
Subject: If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be?

Dear All

If you could go back in time and change something about museum work what would it be? I am very curios about what it would be that you could change? I would change the way somethings are displayed originally in museums like the style of dioramas. Responses are most welcome.

Thanks,

Rachel

------------------------------
Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
------------------------------