Addressing Climate Change in History Museums
An overwhelming majority of museum visitors believe that climate change is real and that it is an important topic for museums to address. However, it is challenging to link information about global warming with prompts for personal action.
History museums and historic house Museums are ideal venues to discuss climate change and sustainability. Although the subjects are frequently associated with science museums, zoos, aquariums and gardens, history museums tell the stories of our world. Climate change and energy costs affect us all. Addressing these subjects by sharing historical perspectives and relevant tales can benefit visitors, the larger community and the museum itself. Rachel Lorentzen will offer the rationale and necessity for doing so, models of past programming and potential ideas for future programs. She will also provide resources to develop programming, cope with energy usage and inspire action among museum audiences.
Rachel Lorentzen has a Masters Degree (ALM) in Museum Studies from Harvard and an MBA from NYU. Currently Rachel serves on the Climate and Sustainability Committee at AASLH. She has presented at NEMA and consults on strategies to increase visitor engagement and/or bring sustainability programming to organizations. She manages several commercial properties and also oversees renovations at historic properties. Previously, she served two terms on both the Palm Beach Landmarks Commission in Florida and the Board of the Greenwich Historical Society in Connecticut, co-founded a Neighborhood Alliance to educate and create community and interned at The Preservation Society of Newport County.
Topic: Museums and Change 6/10/25
Time: Jul 10, 2025 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87368551410
Meeting ID: 873 6855 1410