Presenters: Dr. Douglas Wilson, National Park Service and Portland State University; Gregory Shine, National Park Service; and Theresa Langford, National Park Service
These disciplines have traditionally only had brief contact, but better coordination between curators, archaeologists, and historians can have huge advantages for museums. As we look at ways to alleviate the curation crisis, it is essential that museum managers and historians join with archaeologists in discussions about research design and methodology. In addition, more intense coordination between professionals allows more opportunity for existing collections to be utilized, as historical records surface and analysis techniques advance.

Panelists: Stephanie Lile, Head of Education, Washington State History Museum; William Smith, Storyline Studio, Bothell, WA
The development of effective museum learning spaces requires coordination between various departments, particularly education, exhibits, and curatorial/collections. This session will focus on ways to work collaboratively with other departments, content providers, and contractors to develop engaging spaces for kids and adults.

Presenters: Lori Bertis, Visitor Services Coordinator and Store Manager, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Lilia Villasenor, Manager, The Rose Garden Store, (and nine years as Manager of the Oregon Historical Society Store)
This session will engage participants in a lively session meant to impart the basic concepts involved in museum store planning or enhancement which begins with an understanding of the Store’s place and value in cultural organizations. Having a successful store element is all about breaking down departmental and ideological walls to extend the visitor experience. All staff from every department of your organization play a role in a successful store – all are welcome !

Presenters: Connie Estep, Curator, The Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology; Terry Andre, Education Coordinator, Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology; Kimberly Camp, CEO, The Reach (Hanford Reach Interpretive Center); Susan Rohrer, Manager of the State Capital Museum, Washington State Historical Society; Gwen Perkins, Curator of Education, Washington State Historical Society; and Heide Fernandez-Llamazares, Museum Educator and Docent Coordinator, Tacoma Art Museum
Do your programs always “round up the usual suspects”? Expand your base with programs and exhibits designed to attract different groups. Find out what programs/exhibits have drawn new groups to museums in Washington. One example is Night at the Museum events. They have been a big draw nationally, internationally, and even here in Washington State!

Presenter: Andy Granitto, Curator of Exhibits, Yakima Valley Museum
This lecture will help you identify the essential characteristics of different exhibit styles, using variables such as color, light, floorplan, case design, panel design, and text itself. Examples will be presented of “pure,” “hybrid,” and “playful” applications of these styles, emphasizing successes and failures; and group discussion will explore the visual impact and communicative power of each style.

Presenters: Sam Reed, Secretary of State, Washington State Heritage Center; Carleen Jackson, Director of Development, Washington State Heritage Center; and Dana Pethia, Director of Marketing, Washington State Heritage Center.
An update on the Washington State Heritage Center, scheduled to open in 2012, followed by a round table discussion with the museum community about the Heritage Center as a partner and an asset in advancing heritage interest in Washington State.

Presenter: Dana K. Senge, Objects Conservator, DKS Conservation Services, LLC
This session will focus on the general identification of materials (and layers of materials) that make up objects in historic and fine art collections. The session goal is to help collection managers and registrars think about the complex structures of the objects in their collections and to discuss collection care solutions for these materials. All museum staff are encouraged to attend to deepen their understand the objects in their collections and importance of supporting preservation within the museum setting.