Contemplate – Educate – Understand -- Renew
Learn about advocacy, meet your legislators, and help us celebrate and advocate for collecting institutions throughout Maine!
The event will begin with a training on best practices in advocating for your institution. Attendees will have time to meet with their legislators before reconvening for a reception in the Hall of Flags.
11AM-12PM Maine State Archives Advocacy Training: Tools and Tricks for the Small, Busy, and Passionate. "Politics" can feel big, and controlled by special interests with lots of money. But advocacy is about more than who you know and what things cost; at its heart, advocacy is about sharing the causes we love, educating our fellow citizens and our elected officials, and participating in the process of democracy, from the local level all the way to Capitol Hill. Join New England Museum Association's advocacy duo, Dan Yaeger and Meg Winikates, for an introduction (or a refresher) on getting the most out of visiting your representatives. Then find out how you and your organization can build a case for public support and form stronger continuing relationships with your town, state, and federal representatives, without overwhelming your already busy days.
Register here (no cost, space limited) if you'd like to attend.
12PM-2PM Maine State House Meet Your Legislators - Make appointments in advance of Maine Museums Day to meet with your legislators on your own to discuss the issues relevant to your organization.
2PM-4PM Hall of Flags, Maine State House Reception - Exhibit your organization (register here at no cost to members of MAM and NEMA to reserve table space) and/or meet with folks from other collecting institutions while enjoying refreshments and inspiring speakers. These speakers will start their address at 2:30:
- Dugan Murphy, Executive Director, Maine Archives and Museums
- Dan Yaeger, Executive Director, New England Museum Association
- Erik Jorgensen, Maine State Representative
- Julie Horn, Visual Arts Director, Maine Arts Commission, Maine State House bicentennial exhibit coordinator
This event is free, including the 11AM training (space limited) and first-come-first-serve exhibitor table space. You must be a MAM member or NEMA member to exhibit. NEMA members, please email info@mainemuseums.org or call Dugan at 207-400-6965 to register for exhibitor table space.
We encourage collecting institutions, their volunteers and staff, students, and supporters across the state to attend.
Register for the Advocacy Training or Reserve Exhibitor Space
Register on this page for the
- 11AM advocacy training (free to anyone, 30 seats available, registration open through February 16)
- Limited exhibitor table space (MAM members must sign in first and NEMA members can contact Dugan at info@mainemuseums.org or 207-400-6965; registration open through February 16)
Spread the Word
Please use these materials to communicate about Maine Museums Day and about the impact of collecting institutions.
Maine archives, historical societies, and museums are valuable economic engines in their communities, contributing millions of dollars to Maine’s economy, and enticing visitors to stay longer, spend more, and return in the future. However, their value is more than dollars and cents, these collecting organizations create the unique feel of our communities, while preserving and sharing our most cherished history, art, and culture. These Maine institutions, found in communities - large and small, rural and urban - provide opportunities for our citizens to understand where we have been and who we are as a society; they offer places where we can contemplate beauty and meaning in our lives, provide a sanctuary where we can refresh our spirits and reflect on our lives. Archives, museums and historical societies can educate and inspire all ages, from the senior living in retirement, to the child just beginning school and learning about both our individual and common heritage. Investment in the arts and humanities is essential to our well-being as Americans, and to the generations who will follow us.
As valued partners in our communities and the state, our collecting institutions need protection. At risk are vital funds through state and national granting organizations, and support for important projects like the Maine bicentennial in 2020. Join us as we listen, learn, and celebrate all these attributes at Maine Museums Day at the State House!
Sponsor Opportunities
Thank you to our event partner!
Thank you to our lead sponsor!
Northern Artery
Thank you to our gold sponsors!
Thank you to our silver sponsors!
Northeast Document Conservation Center
The Maine Birthday Book
ANR Transport
Tide Mill Institute
