Open Forum

Wish Walls for the Future: How Museums Can Spark Community Connection for America's 250th

Join Caroline Klibanoff (Made By Us) and Adam Rozan (Smithsonian's National Museum of American History) to explore how Wish Walls turn public spaces into community zones for reflection, dialogue, and connection --  and how you can host one for America's 250^th anniversary year. In 2025, more than 15,000 wishes were collected at 20 Wish Walls at museums and the digital collection "On Our 250^th" hosted by The New York Historical.

This collaborative project is part of  Civic Season-the annual tradition between Juneteenth and July Fourth, created by young people and museums working together through the Made By Us network. Wish Walls invite people of all ages to imagine and share their long-term hopes for the nation, while offering a light-lift way for institutions to deepen relevance, community ties, and civic participation. Learn how to host one in 2026.

Caroline Klibanoff is Executive Director of Made By Us, a coalition of 500 museums, historic sites, and civic organizations building tools and traditions to connect younger generations with history and democracy. She leads national initiatives like Civic Season and Wish Walls, helping institutions deepen relevance and community impact as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.

Adam Rozan is Director of Programs and Audience Development at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. A leader in public engagement, he specializes in creating experiences that invite visitors to participate, share their perspectives, and see themselves in the nation's story.

Avi Decter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: MUSEUMS AND CHANGE

Time: Sep 25, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89602495127

Meeting ID: 896 0249 5127

Wish Walls for the Future: How Museums Can Spark Community Connection for America's 250th

Join Caroline Klibanoff (Made By Us) and Adam Rozan (Smithsonian's National Museum of American History) to explore how Wish Walls turn public spaces into community zones for reflection, dialogue, and connection --  and how you can host one for America's 250^th anniversary year. In 2025, more than 15,000 wishes were collected at 20 Wish Walls at museums and the digital collection "On Our 250^th" hosted by The New York Historical.

This collaborative project is part of  Civic Season-the annual tradition between Juneteenth and July Fourth, created by young people and museums working together through the Made By Us network. Wish Walls invite people of all ages to imagine and share their long-term hopes for the nation, while offering a light-lift way for institutions to deepen relevance, community ties, and civic participation. Learn how to host one in 2026.

Caroline Klibanoff is Executive Director of Made By Us, a coalition of 500 museums, historic sites, and civic organizations building tools and traditions to connect younger generations with history and democracy. She leads national initiatives like Civic Season and Wish Walls, helping institutions deepen relevance and community impact as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.

Adam Rozan is Director of Programs and Audience Development at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. A leader in public engagement, he specializes in creating experiences that invite visitors to participate, share their perspectives, and see themselves in the nation's story.

Avi Decter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: MUSEUMS AND CHANGE

Time: Sep 25, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89602495127

Meeting ID: 896 0249 5127

Wish Walls for the Future: How Museums Can Spark Community Connection for America's 250th

Join Caroline Klibanoff (Made By Us) and Adam Rozan (Smithsonian's National Museum of American History) to explore how Wish Walls turn public spaces into community zones for reflection, dialogue, and connection --  and how you can host one for America's 250^th anniversary year. In 2025, more than 15,000 wishes were collected at 20 Wish Walls at museums and the digital collection "On Our 250^th" hosted by The New York Historical.

This collaborative project is part of  Civic Season-the annual tradition between Juneteenth and July Fourth, created by young people and museums working together through the Made By Us network. Wish Walls invite people of all ages to imagine and share their long-term hopes for the nation, while offering a light-lift way for institutions to deepen relevance, community ties, and civic participation. Learn how to host one in 2026.

Caroline Klibanoff is Executive Director of Made By Us, a coalition of 500 museums, historic sites, and civic organizations building tools and traditions to connect younger generations with history and democracy. She leads national initiatives like Civic Season and Wish Walls, helping institutions deepen relevance and community impact as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.

Adam Rozan is Director of Programs and Audience Development at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. A leader in public engagement, he specializes in creating experiences that invite visitors to participate, share their perspectives, and see themselves in the nation's story.

Avi Decter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: MUSEUMS AND CHANGE

Time: Sep 25, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89602495127

Meeting ID: 896 0249 5127