Boca Historical Society & Museum gets assessment program grant
September 15, 2011 · 0 Comments
BOCA RATON — The Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum is has received the IMLS-funded 2011 Museum Assessment Program grant, valued at some $4,000 and administered through the American Association of Museums.
Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum staff members Mary Csar and Laurie-Lynn Jones pose with MAP 3 assessor Robin Reed near the BRHS’s Boca Express train museum.
The goal of the MAP program is to assist museums of all sizes attain excellence in operations and planning through a process of self study and peer review.
The BRHS elected to undergo MAP 3, or the Community Engagement Assessment, in order to assess the organization’s relationship with the local community. The goal for MAP 3 is to gain a better understanding of the public perception of the organization and its programming.
In accordance with the grant, staff and a team of volunteers completed a survey project, focus group and self study workbook. In addition, the historical society received a visit by museum assessor Robin Reed, currently president of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation and formerly with Colonial Williamsburg and the Smithsonian Institution. Robin met with staff, board, and volunteers at the BRHS’s two properties and also toured the historic Boca Raton Resort & Club.
The Historical Society expects a final assessment report from the self study and on-site visitation in a few months.
In addition, the BRHS has received a set of museum-management related books for its library and free access to AAM museum webinars and other products. This information will be used to chart future marketing and educational outreach.
The Boca Raton Historical Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving the past to enrich the future. Now in its 39th year, the society actively promotes historic preservation and education through its archival services, guided tours and educational programs.
By aheizer
