True Confessions About Interpretive Master Planning. A Presentation by the Nova Scotia Museum for International Interpretation Conference

True Confessions about Interpretive Master Planning: An Interactive SessionNova Scotia Museum

#IMPConfessions

What is the Nova Scotia Museum (NSM)?

The NSM’s got:

And these are the experiences:

Why renewal? Why did we need an interpretive master plan?

We needed an IMP because…

• Visitor numbers dropping

• Museums isolated from their communities

• Interpretive capacity is weak

• Visitor expectations are changing – we need to be more relevant to Nova Scotians & other visitors

• Stories being told are too narrow in scope

• Need a strategic plan to leverage resources

What we did…1. Formed project advisory team.

2. We hired a vendor. (form:media)

3. Completed research and consultations,

which included:

• Audience and market research.

• Assessment of interpretive products.

• Development of a thematic framework.

• A gap analysis.

• Development of interpretive values.

• Action plan for interpretive development.

What we got…

A Look inside the IMP…

NSM IMP pages 56, 78-88, 164, 226

And it is available for you to use!

museum.novascotia.ca/about-nsm/interpretive-master-plan

How does interpretive master planning influence my work?

Christine’s PerspectiveManager of Interpretation@chrishfx

“Passion is the essential ingredient for powerful and effective interpretation - passion for the resource and for

those people who come to be inspired by the same.” National Parks Service - Interpretive Development Program

A Manager’s Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

“The Interpretive Master Plan is a tool for the Museum and the Heritage Division to utilize for many years to come. It is the rod with which to leverage funding, the flag to inspire museum staff, the handbook to develop interpretation, and the voice through which the Museum can speak to all Nova Scotians, reengaging them with their heritage in both new and familiar ways.” NSM IMP, Executive Summary



The IMP stresses that we need to make good use of new technology and that we need to actively seek partners & collaborators and make our museums available as venues for various activities.


“Interpretive Renewal strategies for the NSM are designed to attract & engage visitors over the next 20 years or more. These strategies will ensure that the museum finds a relevant and meaningful place in the lives of Nova Scotians & tourists, and that the interpretation of the province’s stories thrives well into the future.” NSM IMP, Executive Summary


What does IM Planning mean: Behind the scenes? Planning to Product?

David’s PerspectiveCommunication Designer

Design Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

First, Some history

“… a lasting monument of my art as a Painter, but also that the design should be expressive, that I bring forth into public view, the beauties of Nature and Art, the rise & progress of the Museum.”

The Artist in his Museum, 1822 self-portrait; Charles Peale, (Peale’s Museum, Philadelphia USA)

Since this time, we’ve drawn back many curtains….


Lens and focal point

From NSM Interpretive Master Plan


Balance:

Celebrating collections


Creating moments

Wee Ones Program, Museum of Natural History


Balance

Museums are keepers of more than the artifact and specimens.

Consider…

• Impact of social environments and spaces; in particular social media and networks.

• Not only the visitor, but museum’s role in communities and communities of interest.

• Life beyond museum walls. Artifact photo session Museum of Industry


Design’s Place?

Simple: Planning with purpose.

What are we doing?

Why?

How?

“Design is the application of intent – the opposite of happenstance, and an antidote to accident.”

– Robert L. Peters, Designer

Millennium Bugs Exhibit


Design in action

Simple is good:Follow the arrows.

Note the central circle, an iterative cycle we call feedback or (learning) loops

Note two-way conversation: Who’s talking? With whom?

If it’s not two-way, then it’s not “communication.”


Value of simple circles

• User and the “experience” are central.

• There is comfort in iteration, testing, and evaluation: learn from history.

• Non-designers become designers.

• Teams speak the same language.

• Planning makes life simpler:

• Clears your path

• You are not alone. Everyone is doing it.

Check out Ideo.org and Museums 2.0

• Change, risk (safe-to-fail) and “tinkering” are good things. Embrace them.

NSM project planning model: An IMP Ancestor


Ultimate goals for design

• Engagement and immersive participation

• learning lab: collaborative, developmental places/spaces

• Room to explore: free thinking, deep thinking

• Ideas that work: Sustainable versus a shelf/product life

As keepers, you can’t

“close shop.”


What can design do for you?

The process provides a framework to:

1. Embed interpretation: Lift curtains.

2. Navigate and facilitate good work: From planning to product.

3. Step outside comfort zones: Move in multiple directions

Kraken, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

And connect!


Also.... Ensure you’re a “change agent” for diverse, inclusive communities and evolving global economies

Black Basketry Workshop


And embrace multiple perspectives.

Conceptual landscape: Mi’kmaq “two-eyed seeing”

What does Interpretive Master Planning mean on the frontlines?

Maggie’s PerspectiveInterpretive Researcher@maggiesmuseum

Frontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

An Interpretive Master Plan enables interpreters to move from an Interpretive Master Plan

to an Interpretive Master Reality.

Frontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

Explorers Facilitators Experience Seekers

Hobbyists Spiritual Pilgrims Other (Schools)

Helps Interpreters Understand VisitorsFrontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

NSM IMP page 64-66

NSM IMP Used Falk Visitor Motivators

Helps Interpreters Tell their StoriesFrontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

• 5 Conceptual Themes

• Topics & Sub Topics

• Content Assignments

• Site Mandates and Topics

NSM IMP pages 138-142

NSM’s IMP Content Distribution Matrix

What are my museum’s stories?Frontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning


Helps interpreters see the big pictureFrontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

NSM IMP page 108

Helps interpreters work with partnersFrontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning


Helps interpreters actually do it.Frontlines Perspective on Interpretive Master Planning

NSM IMP pages 56, 78-88, 164

Common Goals, Objectives and Strategies

IMP True Confessions:

The Game

1. A question will be read.2. Each presenter will do a short

confession. 3. At end of short confessions, you cheer

to decide which presenter will tell their full confession.

4. Presenter has 3 minutes to confess.5. There will be 5 rounds.Mi’kmaq Waltes Game

NSM 1901.36.1-4

Question #1What did the IMP allow you to expose?

Chris’ Confession:I confess to witnessing staff to become inspired, take risks, and to think about the voices we have not typically heard in our museums.

David’s Confession:The story of Sable Island is much more than it’s famous wild horses and shipwrecks.

That’s easy to say now, but not when you’re in a storm and run aground.

Here’s a tale about 1 topic, 2 exhibits, 3 decades apart…

Maggie’s Confession:I confess to a museum shutdown which resulted in interpreters playing, geeking out and using social media. Or… how the Museum of Natural History interp team used the IMP to connect with audiences and unexpectedly build communities.

Manager’s Answer: What did the IMP allow you to expose?

Goal 3: Ensure that interpretation is authentic, relevant and inclusive for all audiences

Objective 3: Expand the content to be inclusive of Nova Scotia’s diverse population.

Ghosts of Servants and Children at Perkins House Museum


Go to Question 2


Hello Sailor! Gay Life on the Ocean Wave Exhibit

A Tale: 1 topic, 2 exhibits, 3 decades apart

Team vision: A focus beyond

every immediate danger

Designer’s Answer: What did the IMP allow you to expose?



A practical side

Working in context

History and space

Reuse and invention



Creative Effort





Imagination…



Opportunities



Go to Question 2

The magic of team

Production to product

Empowering MNH Interpreters to Become Visitor Focused: Why?

Frontlines’ Answer: What did the IMP allow you to expose?

Visitor Need Product

Explorer Wander, Discover, Self-SelectedLearning

Conversational Interpretation

Facilitator Fun, Friendship, Welcoming Space

Wee Wild Ones!

Experience Seekers

Wow, UniqueExperiences

Having Fun

Hobbyists To Share, To Specialize, To Be Challenged

@MNH_Naturalistsby MNH Naturalists

Spiritual Pilgrims

Reconnect with Nature

Step Away from Facts

Empowering MNH Interpreters to Become Visitor Focused: How?


Empowering MNH Interpreters to Become Visitor Focused: Result?


Communities

Go to Question 2

Chris’ Confession:I confess to supporting and encouraging museum staff to look at the advantages of using museum venues for nontraditional activities and attracting new audiences.

David’s Confession:No.

Imagine this… A bunch of us got together and threw the classic “period room out the heritage house window.

A bird-brain idea or what?

Maggie’s Confession:I confess to scaring interpretation staff with planning templates and forms based on the IMP. Herding cats might be easier than getting interpreters to write things down.

Question #2Does an IMP mean you have to practice “safe interpretation?”

Manager’s Answer: Does an IMP mean you have to practice “safe interpretation?”

Goal 2: Achieve sustainability by ensuring that the Heritage Division thrives and survives into

the future.

Objective 2: Achieve social relevance through community involvement.

.

“The purpose of Welcome Aboard is to encourage Nova Scotians, of all ages, cultural origins, genders, and sexual orientations, to feel welcome and comfortable at, an engage with, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.”Kim Reinhardt, Manager MMA

Welcome Aboard!Manager’s Answer: Does an IMP mean you have to practice “safe interpretation?”

Go to Question 3

Museum as Community SpacesManager’s Answer: Does an IMP mean you have to practice “safe interpretation?”

Throwing the period room “out the window” in a historic house museum

Rethink: A House rebuilt on ideas

Designer’s Answer: Does an IMP mean you have to practice “safe interpretation?”



Use your skills set

Rely on resources



Make little ideas big





Stir your soup

Go to Question 3

Using Interpretive Planning Tools: Who are they for?

It’s easy to say planning is necessary when you work in an office.

But not so easy when you are operational.

Frontlines’ Answer: Does an IMP mean you have to practice “safe interpretation?”

Every three years:

Background Information

Self-Assessment

of Content

Audience-based Plan of Products

Using Interpretive Planning Tools:Planning for successful seasons


Go to Question 3

Using Interpretive Planning Tools:Product Planning Template


• Overview• Logistics• Content/IMP• Audience• Partners• Materials/Supplies• Artifacts, Artifacts & Intangibles• Budget• Research• Production Schedule• Instructions/Detailed Description• Modifications• Evaluation

Maggie’s Confession:I confess to using bribes to get AML and Dept. of Education staff together to create:

AND to using gaming theory to get staff excited about using it.

Chris’ Confession:I confess to luring the Interpretive Working Group, which includes museum, archives, libraries and partners, to monthly meetings with food, good coffee and occasional fieldtrips.

David’s Confession:Build a team.

A town, a hockey heritage society, and a NSM site teamed up to score a winner.

Truth be told, the game started out badly.

Let me explain….

Question #3How do you get partners? How do you get them to say “yes!”?

Manager’s Answer: How do you get partners? How do you get them to say “yes!”?

Goal 4: Ensure best practices in interpretation are followed.

Objective 4: Live in a policy framework..


Interpretive Working Group: Our Scope1. Primarily support interpretive

renewal development within the Nova Scotia Museum, Archives and Libraries.

2. Specifically, provide input and direction to interpretation projects.

3. Work towards developing tools to strengthen capacity and therefore, NSM interpretive renewal efforts overall.

Go to Question 4


Interpretive Working Group: Our Work

Teaming up to score a winner.

Find common ground, or ice.Intersecting histories and needs

Designer’s Answer: How do you get partners? How do you get them to say “yes!”?


Start with rules (The IMP sure helped)



Find opportunities to talk




Be inclusive and relevant

Be prepared to talk about and tell difficult stories.

Don’t shut the door.


Go to Question 4

Toolbox for Museum School Programs: Using the IMP to Get Things Started

IMP & Strategic Partners

Frontlines’ Answer: How do you get partners? How do you get them to say “yes!”?

Goal 3: Ensure that interpretation is authentic, relevant and inclusive for all

audiences

Objective 2: Be relevant to visitors’ personal experiences.

Users as Partners

Strategies:• Link exhibits and programs with the

Nova Scotia school curriculum.• Use real things to put history in context.


Toolbox for Museum School Programs: Creating the Toolbox: The Alpha GroupPartners for Development…• NSM Interpretive Staff (Rural Sites,

Urban Sites, Large Site, Small Sites, Seasonal Sites, Year-Round Sites)

• NSM Curatorial and Collections Staff• Archives and Libraries Staff• Curriculum Consultants from Dept. of

Education• Program Presenters and Program

Developers• Interns (Museum Studies, Education,

Graphic Design)• Former School Teachers


Toolbox for Museum School Programs: What’s in the Box?

7 modules, each with…• Current research and best practices in

education and archives, museums and libraries for program presenters and program developers.

• “Earn a Badge” Professional Development Activities

• Pull-Out Pages for Future Reference • Practical Examples• Appendix with Bonuses• “History Detectives: Discovering the Past

with Objects” A Grade 5 school program

Go to Question 4

Still involving partners…• NSM and Community Museums:

Workshops, Evaluations • Association of Nova Scotia Museums• Education Sub-Committee• Interpretive Working Group


Toolbox for Museum School Programs: Using the Toolbox: The Beta Testers

Going Gold: Public release on the NSM website September 2015.Museum.NovaScotia.ca

Chris’ Confession:I confess to taking advantage of other experts and resources in order to support our interpretive capacity and provide interns with really cool work experiences.

David’s Confession:

I confess….

• I believe marketing is interpretation: another means to engage.

• I found a museum’s identity on the side of a road. It was a sign.

Maggie’s Confession:I confess to helping museums cheat at school program development by giving them “History Detectives,” an NSM and Department of Education approved program they can quickly and easily personalize for their site.

Question #4How can we make sure we are ready to “perform?”

Manager’s Answer: How do we make sure we are ready to “perform?”

Goal 4: Ensure best practices in interpretation are followed.

Objective 1: Increase training and skills development.

.

Increasing Training & Skills DevelopmentManager’s Answer: How do we make sure we are ready to “perform?”

Presented by Partners (ANSM)

Presented by In-House Experts

Go to Question 5

Professional DevelopmentManager’s Answer: How do we make sure we are ready to “perform?”

Designer’s Answer: How do we make sure we are ready to “perform?”

Finding a museum’s identity.

ReSearch

Reiterate



Build on opportunity





Reiterate.

Reiterate.

Reiterate.

Repeat your message…

Go to Question 5

Deliver.

A new species of Museum



What is “History Detectives: Discovering the Past with Objects” School Program?• Supports “Toolbox for Museum School Programs”• Addresses Grade 5 NS Social Studies Curriculum• To be personalized for any museum/exhibit• Accommodates the logistical realities of museums

(staffing, space, resources, time, etc.)

Introduction: History Detective Orientation 3 Training Activities:• Object Investigation• Clues from the Archives• Modern Mysteries• Curious ConstructionConclusion: History Detective Graduation

Frontlines’ Answer: How do we make sure we are ready to “perform?”

How can a “pre-made” program empower frontline staff?

• Example of best practice

• Made the “Toolbox for Museum School Programs” real

• Allows program presenters to focus on the experience or “performance” rather than the theory and logistics

• Created “easy win” for museums with limited resources

Why “History Detectives: Discovering the Past with Objects” School Program?


Go to Question 5

• Piloted at 3 NSM Sites• Will be piloting it at several smaller

NSM sites in June 2015• Training at Archives, Museums &

Libraries Joint Conference, Fall 2015• Alternative version being created for

classroom teachers that uses online museum and archives resources, Provincial In-Service, Fall 2015

• Program will be publically available when the “Toolbox for Museum School Programs” is released online, Fall 2015

Results of “History Detectives” School Program


Chris’ Confession:I confess that we never stop. In the next year we are opening a new museum, new buildings, new exhibits and new programs. Many in thanks to the new S4C interpretive renewal funding.

David’s Confession:I’ve always enjoyed a museum crowd.

Keeping it social is rather simple: Keep it real. Be connected, warm and fuzzy.

Gather ‘round for 2 virtual realities with a common thread.

Maggie’s Confession:I confess to another museum shutdown which resulted in dreaming, focusing on new perspectives and finding spots for stories never told before. Or… how the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is using the IMP for a complete concept renewal.

Question #5How do we plan to keep things “fresh?”

A New Museum Site: Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown

Manager’s Answer: How do we plan to keep things “fresh?”

Money to Support Interpretive RenewalManager’s Answer: How do we plan to keep things “fresh?”

Interpretive Renewal Project FundThe S4C Interpretive Renewal Fund is an opportunity for us to spread the word about the importance of our heritage in our province.

15 NSM site projects since November 2013:• Acadian Village Museum: The Dory Project

• Fundy Geological Museum: Canada's Oldest Dinosaur Exhibit

• McCulloch House Museum: Historic Trails and Gardens

• Museum of Natural History: Interactive Dinosaur Suit and Program

• Museum of Natural History: Tide Tank Exhibit Refresh

• Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: First Fishers Exhibit

• Museum of Industry: Secret Codes

• Highland Village Museum: Suas As An Talmh: From the Ground UP

• Balmoral Grist Mill Museum: Millstone Crane Demonstrations

• Sutherland Steam Mill Museum: Fine Wood Working Program

• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: WIFI Accessibility

• Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: Concept Design for Exhibit Refresh

• Ross Farm Museum: School Program: Can a Society be Created?

• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic: Courtyard Tall ship and Gun Exhibit & Program

• Museum of Natural History Seashore Exhibit

Go to Conclusion

What a Little Money Can Get YouManager’s Answer: How do we plan to keep things “fresh?”

Over $350,000 in project funds were granted by end of March 2015!

Idea 1

Virtual Exhibit

“Open House”

Designer’s Answer: How do we plan to keep things “fresh?”

Be social. Build crowds. Everywhere.

Idea 1

Virtual Exhibit

Objects tell stories



Idea 1

Virtual Exhibit

So do curators



Idea 1

Virtual Exhibit

All about Access



Idea 2

Social mediaand beyond

All about Access



Idea 2

Social mediaand beyond



Go to Conclusion

Idea 2

600, 000tweets

Viewed

237,000,000times

Need Ireiterate?


Be social. Build crowds. Everywhere. Anytime.

Renewal at Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: A Sinking Feeling

Frontlines’ Answer: How do we plan to keep things “fresh?”

Renewal at Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: Using the IMP to find Content


NSM 1979.146.1

Go to Conclusion

Empower interpreters by:

• Hosting a world café with staff after launch of Concept Design.

• Using interpreter’s knowledge (content and interpretive) to develop new exhibits.

• Creating spaces for interpreters to have conversations and present programs.

• Opening new spaces with new programming ready.

• Involving frontline in planning, professional development, evaluation and ongoing renewal.


Renewal at Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic: A Never Ending Process

Conclusions

At the end of the day, in 140 characters or less, what does having the IMP mean to each of us.

Christine: “An IMP helps inform our activities beyond interpretive development. It will inspire, invigorate, and ensure our continued relevance.”

David: “An IMP puts into print what I’ve been saying and doing for years. It is a point of liberation.”

Maggie: “An IMP empowers interpreters, of all levels, which results in the interpretive master plan becoming interpretive master reality.”

What does it mean to you? #interpMontreal #IMPConfessions

Let the conversation continue…

Christine will be drinking Scotch.David will be drinking something with a nice label.Maggie will be drinking a fancy martini.

3. Come join us for a drink.

Christine SykoraManager of [email protected]@chrishfx

1. Keep in touch.

David CarterCommunications [email protected]

Maggie MacIntyreInterpretive [email protected]@maggiesmuseum

Confess to each other. Come tell us your confessions. Ask us about ours.Tweet using #IMPConfessions

2. Wear your sticker.

Presentations & Public Speaking

True Confessions About Interpretive Master Planning. A Presentation by the Nova Scotia Museum for International Interpretation Conference