Museum Day
February 20, 2008

Join us for an exciting day in Olympia 

The Washington Museum Association is committed to promoting and supporting all museums in our state.   Large institutions based in urban areas and regional centers, or smaller museum homes in the farming corners of Washington, all will have an opportunity to join the membership of WMA in Olympia for one day of events focusing on the museums of Washington.  The day begins with a special presentation at the early morning meeting of the Heritage Caucus and the Governor’s Museum Day Proclamation; two afternoon presentations by staff from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation; and a WMA sponsored early evening reception for elected officials and members fill out the schedule of events.  If you cannot attend, consider sending board member, an experienced volunteer or local official to represent your museum at Museum Day

Museum Day Agenda:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

7:00 - 8:00am	Museum Day will be highlighted at the early morning Heritage Caucus.  The caucus meets in the John Cherberg Building, Conference Room A-B on the ground or entry floor.  Erin Black, WMA board member and Director of the Kittitas County Historical Museum will present an illustrated talk about the economic and cultural importance of museums in Washington State, their impact on education and community life, and the critical support museum-friendly legislation plays in the life of our museums.
9:00 - 11:00am	You are encouraged to make appointments for meetings with your elected officials during this time.  Remind your legislator that their decisions have a direct impact on you and your museum as constituents.  Meetings are short and you need to get your message across quickly.  Talk to them about the importance of legislation like House Bill 1386 with monies directed to local heritage organizations. During this time you are invited to gather informally for some coffee and conversation with your fellow WMA members in the Board Room of the Office of the Secretary of State, located on the first floor of the Legislative Building.  The Board Room, just off the entry lobby of the Secretary of State’s office suite, will display the latest designs and plans for the Heritage Center.   The lobby will be featuring a rare collection of presidential letters and documents including handwritten letter by Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
1:00 – 3:00pm	Special Presentations by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 1 to 3 PM, State Capital Museum, 211 21st Avenue SW, Seven blocks south of the Capitol Campus in the historic Lord Mansion. Mr. Greg Griffith, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer will speak about the historic preservation movement in the US.  He will talk about the National Register of Historic Places and other programs that are administered by Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.  He will talk about the role historic preservation and historic places play in communities and the museum community’s pivotal role in local preservation efforts.  He will provide an update on the work by DAHP to revise the state historic preservation plan. (1 to 2 PM with questions) Russell Holter, Preservation Design Reviewer will present an overview of the State of Washington’s Executive Order 05-05;  the preservation and protection of archeological and cultural resources, including how this order impacts your Heritage Capital Grants.  He will discuss how to implement a 05-05 review and what is required to meet the new standards.   (2 to 3 PM) Download afternoon program flyer.
4:30 – 6:30pm	Breaking from the recent tradition of an early morning breakfast, WMA invites all members, legislators and elected officials to an evening reception at the historic Lord Mansion, home of the State Capital Museum and Outreach Center, on Wednesday, February 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.  The gracious setting provides a backdrop for an informal gathering and a chance to talk with officials from around the state.  This is a valuable opportunity. Co-sponsored by the South Sound Heritage Association, a consortium of over 20 museums from the region, guests will be treated to informational displays and materials from museums across the state.  Your legislators have received special invitations to this event, please contact them and encourage them to join you and celebrate our Washington museums. In the history rich Pacific Northwest, every community can benefit from having its history and culture preserved and offered for education and cultural enrichment. Every citizen of Washington State benefits from efforts to preserve important buildings and present the history and culture of our state. WMA knows that it’s crucial to remind our State legislators of this each year. We hope you will join us at the Heritage Caucus, for an afternoon of interesting presentations and for the early evening reception at the State Capital Museum. Download Map

Special Points:
For directions and parking please visit:  http://www.leg.wa.gov/WorkingwithLeg/parking.htm
Information about the Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature

Please bring materials for display at the reception or consider sending them in advance to the Museum Day Coordinator  Susan Rohrer.             
Attendance RSVP appreciated.
Susan Rohrer
State Capital Museum and Outreach Center
211 21st Avenue SW, Olympia,  WA  98501
srohrer@wshs.wa.gov
360/586-0166