June 13-15, 2011

SmithSonian affiliationS

national ConferenCe

Welcome to the 2011 Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Affiliations program, a milestone that encour-ages us to both reflect on accomplishments and plan for the future. In estab-

lishing the Affiliations program the leadership of the Smithsonian embraced the recom-mendations of the Report of the Commission on the Future of the Smithsonian Institution (1995) which called for: “the formation of partnerships with existing or emerging muse-ums throughout the country that could make the Institution more reflective of our nation [and] would also address the problem of storing, curating, studying, and exhibiting the constantly growing collection.”

In fifteen years we have made strong progress towards fulfilling this vision through the loan of more than 8,000 Smithsonian artifacts, artworks, and specimens; nearly 500 trav-eling exhibits; and hundreds of scholarly presentations, book talks, performances, and education programs and workshops. Affiliates in turn have demonstrated true partner-ship not only by welcoming the Smithsonian into their communities, but also by sending major exhibitions to our museums, opening doors for town hall meetings, participating in joint research and collecting projects, conserving and restoring Smithsonian objects, and providing curatorial expertise.

Our two-way partnerships have now grown into a vast network of support and collabora-tion essential to the challenges that lie ahead. We believe that museums are well situ-ated to make major contributions to teaching and education at all levels by extending the knowledge gained through our experience with informal learning. We also expect that museums will be called on more frequently to help their communities understand the rapid changes taking place around them – climate change, the loss of biodiversity, the disappearance of traditional cultures, and the explosion of new technologies, among them.

Our conference promises to engage these topics and challenge all of us to imagine ways in which we can turn the unique strengths of our organizations into combined efforts that will have lasting impact. We are pleased that you have made the journey with us through these first fifteen years, and look forward to many more years together. Thank you for joining us.

Harold A. ClosterDirectorSmithsonian Affiliations

Director’s Welcome

Monday, June 138:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-scheduled meetings with Smithsonian staff

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Smithsonian Castle, 3rd Floor, Rotunda Registration

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Smithsonian Castle, 3rd Floor, Library Orientation for new and returning Affiliates

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Smithsonian Castle Commons, 1st FloorWelcome Reception

Tuesday, June 148:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterConference Registration

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterWelcome Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Lecture Hall, S. Dillon Ripley CenterKeynote Address: Claudine Brown, Assistant Secretary for Education and Access, Smithsonian Institution

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterWhat’s the Big Idea?: Revitalizing Education Through Partnership and Collaboration

11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Lunch on your own

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.Concourse, S. Dillon Ripley CenterSmithsonian Resource Fair

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Room 3113, S. Dillon Ripley CenterAn Introduction to “The Immigration Initiative: Exploring and Presenting America’s Cultural History of Migration and Immigration”

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.Room 3037, S. Dillon Ripley CenterBuilding and Increasing Membership: A Museum-Wide Approach

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.Room 3031, S. Dillon Ripley CenterYou CAN Take It With You: A Practical Look At All Things Mobile

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Room 3035, S. Dillon Ripley CenterSuccess With Science: New Approaches for New Audiences

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterNot Your Ordinary Classroom: Reaching Students Using Documents and Works of Art as Primary Resources

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.International Gallery, S. Dillon Ripley CenterBuffalo Bill’s Wild West Warriors: A Photographic History by Gertrude Käsebier

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.S. Dillon Ripley CenterAffiliate Happy Hour

Wednesday, June 158:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Mitsitam Café, National Museum of the American IndianAn Interactive Breakfast: Using Food as an Extension of Your Mission

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.National Museum of the American IndianShuttle / walk to museum locations

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian Loan Conversations: Meet the People and Master the Process

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.Lunch on your own

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.S. Dillon Ripley CenterBoard buses to Anacostia Community Museum (Meet in front of the Ripley Center)

1:30 p.m. –3:30 p.m.Anacostia Community MuseumRoad Trip: Anacostia Community Museum – the Smithsonian East of the River

4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Free time on your own

6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Bus transportation from L’Enfant Plaza Hotel to Congressional Reception

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.B-339 Rayburn House Office BuildingSmithsonian Affiliations Congressional Reception

Program at a Glance

2011 Smithsonian AffiliationsNational Conference

Monday, June 138:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Pre-scheduled meetings with Smithsonian staff

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Smithsonian Castle, 3rd Floor, Rotunda (Enter from the National Mall)registration

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Smithsonian Castle, 3rd Floor, Library (Enter from the National Mall) orientation for new & existing affiliates

Discover the Smithsonian and learn about the benefits and resources available to you as a Smithsonian Affiliate.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Smithsonian Castle Commons, 1st FloorWelcome reception

Agenda

Tuesday, June 148:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterConference registration

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterWelcome Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Lecture Hall, S. Dillon Ripley CenterKeynote address: Claudine Brown, assistant Secretary for education and access, Smithsonian institution

Appointed in June 2010 to this newly established position, Brown serves as the overall leader of educational initiatives at the Smithsonian and coordinates the efforts of 32 education-based offices in museums and science centers. Brown will speak on the future of education at the Smithsonian and the role of partnerships in advancing the work of Affiliates.

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley CenterWhat’s the Big idea?: revitalizing education through Partnership and Collaboration

Affiliates will join Smithsonian educators in a series of discussions about reaching into the local community with innovative education programs and potential areas of collaboration.

roundtable 1:education technologyMichelle Smith, Director, Publications and Digital Media, Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum StudiesChris Wilson, Director, Program in African American Culture, National Museum of American HistorySally Otis, Videoconference Coordinator, Smithsonian American Art MuseumPanelists will share ideas about distance learning, gaming, videoconferencing, and webinars—all technology-rich initiatives used to deliver programming.

roundtable 2:Dedicated SpacesJudy Gradwohl, Associate Director for Public Programs, National Museum of American HistoryTricia Edwards, Education Specialist, Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and InnovationShari Werb, Director of Education and Outreach, National Museum of Natural HistoryDiscussion will include opportunities for education and outreach modeled on specific learning centers at the Smithsonian and Affiliate sites.

roundtable 3:in Your BackyardRusty Russell, Collections Manager, Botany, National Museum of Natural HistoryBill McShea, Research Wildlife Biologist, National Zoological ParkErin Blasco, Museum Program Specialist, National Postal MuseumAllison Wickens, Director of Education, National Postal MuseumCitizen science projects are successful approaches for engaging local communities. Two citizen science initiatives and a history program will offer potential ideas for Affiliates to partner and replicate in your own neighborhoods.

roundtable 4:early Childhood educationBetsy Bowers, Deputy Director for Outreach, Smithsonian Early Enrichment CenterAnn Caspari, Early Childhood Education Specialist, National Air and Space MuseumSmithsonian experts in early childhood development brainstorm ways of reaching the youngest audiences. Transform your museum into a friendly space for infants and toddlers, caregivers, and teachers.

roundtable 5:You + Your Schools + SmithsonianSally Goetz Shuler, Executive Director, National Science Resource CenterClare Cuddy, Education Manager, National Museum of the American IndianWally Mertes, Program Coordinator, The Smithsonian AssociatesHow can Affiliates and Smithsonian educators partner to make a greater impact at the local level? Share strategies and resources to change the face of education in America.

11:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. lunch on your own

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Concourse, S. Dillon Ripley CenterSmithsonian resource fair Meet representatives from the following Smithsonian museums, programs, and offices:

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Room 3113, S. Dillon Ripley Centeran introduction to “the immigration initiative: exploring and Presenting america’s Cultural history of migration and immigration”Fath Davis Ruffins, Curator of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History

“Melting pot,” “nation of nations,” “salad bowl,” these are just a few of the metaphors used to describe the complexity and diversity of the peoples making up this nation. Learn how the Smithsonian is launching a major initiative to explore the complexities of the immigrant/migrant experience and how your Affiliate organization can participate through collections, exhibitions, and programs for youth and families.

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Concurrent Sessions)Room 3037, S. Dillon Ripley CenterBuilding and increasing membership: a museum-Wide approachChristina Di Meglio Lopez, Business & External Affairs Manager, Smithsonian AffiliationsMeg Colafella, Director of Membership, Senator John Heinz History Center

Join a strategy session for increasing membership and revenue by involving all parts of the museum. Working with museum educators, programmers, and curators, creative marketing can bolster any membership program. Position your membership as a base for support that expands well beyond your special events and exhibit galleries.

National Air and Space MuseumNational Museum of African ArtNational Museum of American History National Museum of the American IndianNational Postal MuseumNational Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian American Art Museum National Portrait GalleryOffice of Exhibits CentralSmithsonian Institution LibrariesSmithsonian BooksSmithsonian Accessibility ProgramSmithsonian Institution TravelingExhibition Service

Smithsonian Latino CenterThe Smithsonian AssociatesSmithsonian Folkways RecordingsCenter for Folklife and Cultural HeritageSmithsonian Center for Education and Museum StudiesOffice of Sponsored ProjectsOffice of Protection ServicesSmithsonian JourneysSmithsonian Early Enrichment CenterAmerican Association of Museums

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.Room, 3031, S. Dillon Ripley Center You Can take it With You: a Practical look at all things mobile Nancy Proctor, Head of Mobile Strategy & Initiatives, Smithsonian Institution

Extend educational experiences at your organization through mobile platforms. While most museums feel they need a mobile presence, many are unsure how to forge ahead and connect with their visitors through new technologies. This session will give you a quick overview with examples of mobile initiatives that have been launched across the Smithsonian. Bring your own apps and share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs during this informative session.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Concurrent Sessions)Room 3035, S. Dillon Ripley CenterSuccess with Science: new approaches for new audiencesTricia Edwards, Education Specialist, Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, National Museum of American HistoryJudy Brown, Senior Vice President, Programs, Miami Science Museum

The Miami Science Museum and the Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History are changing the ways museums think about promoting science education and meeting the challenge of introducing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) principles to new audiences. Using innovative and research-based approaches such as the GirlsRISE program and Spark!Lab Outreach Kits Project, learn how these two organizations are transforming exhibition planning and museum education practices.

Three Sisters Salad from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s cookbook, “The Mitsitam Cafe Cookbook,”

authored by Mitsitam Cafe Executive Chef Richard Hetzler.

Tortilla Soup and Three Sister Salad

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley Centernot Your ordinary Classroom: reaching Students using Documents and Works of art as Primary Sources Elizabeth K. Eder, Assistant Chair, National Education Partnerships, Smithsonian American Art MuseumLee Ann Potter, Director of Education and Volunteer Programs, National Archives and Records Administration

Based on a model developed by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Archives and Records Administration, learn how you can energize teacher training programs in your community by integrating visual imagery and primary sources as powerful teaching tools. Help visitors and students gain greater insights by linking history and art in a common framework.

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.International Gallery, S. Dillon Ripley CenterBuffalo Bill’s Wild West Warriors: a Photographic history by Gertrude KäsebierMichelle Delaney, Director, Consortium for Understanding the American Experience, Smithsonian Institution

Special presentation and exhibition tour of this multi-layered collaboration between the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (Affiliate) and the National Museum of American History.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. S. Dillon Ripley Centeraffiliate happy hour

Network, relax, and enjoy refreshments after viewing Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Warriors.

Wednesday, June 158:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Mitsitam Café, National Museum of the American Indianan interactive Breakfast: using food as an extension of Your missionRichard Hetzler, Executive Chef, National Museum of the American Indian

There’s more to museums than objects. Use foodways as an interpretive tool to amplify your museum’s message in unusual and memorable ways. Affiliates are invited to discuss their application of regional and local food customs.

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. meet your guide for loan conversations at Smithsonian museums

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Smithsonian loan Conversations: meet the People and master the Process

How do Smithsonian museums decide to loan artifacts, artworks and scientific specimens? What’s the best way for an Affiliate to develop a loan request? How long does it take and how much does it cost? Meet the people behind the process, explore scenarios for loan success, and see how loans make it from storage areas to the loading dock. Select one of four sessions geared to your interests: National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African Art, National Air and Space Museum

11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. lunch on your own

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. meet outside ripley Center to board buses

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.road trip: anacostia Community museum – the Smithsonian east of the riverSharon Reinckens, Deputy Director, Anacostia Community MuseumAlcione Amos, Museum Program Specialist, Anacostia Community MuseumRobert Hall, Associate Director for Education, Anacostia Community MuseumGail Lowe, Senior HistorianPortia James, Supervisory Museum Curator

Word,Shout,Song: Dr. Turner with tape recorder

Lorenzo Dow Turner Papers, Anacostia Community Museum

Archives, Smithsonian Institution

Opened in 1967, the Anacostia Community Museum revolutionized the way museums relate to their communities. Enjoy a brief, narrated bus tour through Washington’s historic and developing neighborhoods, followed by a curator-led tour of the pioneering exhibition Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner, Connecting Communities through Language. Follow-up discussions will focus on contemporary topics of museum work at the community level, including the new National Urban Waterways Project, a project with relevance for all Affiliates.

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Bus transportation to l’enfant Plaza hotel

4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. free time on your own

6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Bus transportation from l’enfant Plaza hotel to Congressional reception.Meet driver outside main hotel entrance.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.B-339 Rayburn House Office BuildingCongressional reception Hors d’oeuvres and buffet

Official GreetingsG. Wayne Clough, Secretary, Smithsonian InstitutionThe Honorable Sam Johnson (TX- 3rd)

Presentation of 2011 Visiting Professionals and Intern Partnership AwardsHarold A. Closter, Director, Smithsonian Affiliations

Smithsonian Cobalt Blue mug 11 oz. ...........................................$4.50 each

Smithsonian Sunburst Mug 16 oz. ...............................................$5.75 each

Smithsonian Sunburst logo spinner keychain ...............................$2.65 each

Smithsonian Castle magnet ..........................................................$1.95 each

Smithsonian Affiliations Sunburst lapel pin ..................................$2.50 each

Smithsonian souvenir spinner spoon ............................................$3.00 each

Smithsonian Lanyard ...................................................................$3.50 each

To order official Smithsonian souvenir merchandise, email Christina Di Meglio Lopez, dimeglioc@si.edu.

SmithSonian SouvenirmerchandiSe – excluSively for

SmithSonian affiliateS