Bridging the Diploma Divide in American Museums
A college education is the strongest predictor of whether someone will-or will not-visit a museum. It marks a sharp dividing line not only in museum engagement but across society. This presentation examines how higher education shapes our perceptions of class and status, and how museum visitation is a marker of the upper class. "Bridging the Diploma Divide" explores who the missing middle is, and how museums can reach out to this overlooked audience.
Tori Beth Bell is the Docent Programs Manager at the Cleveland Museum of Art. She has a BFA from the University of New Mexico and an MFA from the University of Florida. In addition to her full-time role in museum education she has taught global art history as an adjunct professor, and studio art to all ages. Tori Bell presented this topic as a session speaker at the 2025 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting, where it was met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
Avi Decter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: MUSEUMS AND CHANGE
Time: Oct 23, 2025 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86325985330
Meeting ID: 863 2598 5330