Regional Links Networks
The Michigan Museums Association is committed to strengthening the ties within Michigan's museum community by fostering the development of regional networks. These networks encourage regular gatherings among medium, small and grassroots (all-volunteer) museums in Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas.
MMA Regional Links meetings serve as a conduit for the flow of information to and from the Michigan Museums Association. This would include news of what's happening in Michigan museums of all sizes, and what issues and concerns should be brought to the attention of MMA. In addition, each region addresses issues, concerns and opportunities of its own choosing. MMA membership is not a requirement for participation, however, it is hoped that familiarity with MMA through Regional Links Networks will foster MMA membership.
Over the past few years, we know we've lost touch with many of the networks that are out there. If you maintain a network or are interested in starting a new one, please contact Executive Director Susan Steele at ssteele@michiganmuseums.org or at 313-334-7643.
UPDATES (last updated June 9, 2010)
Northern Michigan History Consortium
The Northern Michigan History Consortium was formed in November 2009, with assistance from the Mackinaw Area Historical Society and Central Michigan University. Our goal is to focus on combined publicity for our organizations, learning about professional standards and improved operations, and networking. We meet every other month at different locations throughout Northern Michigan. So far, we have met in Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Hillman, and Harbor Springs. We heartily enjoyed visiting Brush Creek Mill and the Harbor Springs History Museum, both of which are relatively new to the area. We look forward to meeting in Alpena, Alanson and other Northern Michigan locations in the near future.
During each meeting we share the news about our organizations and discuss current challenges, learn about what is happening throughout the state and the field of museums and historical organizations, and have a guest speaker or special program. During our January meeting, Jennifer Lis, conservator from Mackinac State Historic Parks, gave a presentation called “Beware the Killers: Identifying and Protecting your Collections from Agents of Deterioration.” Lisa Craig Brisson, Independent History/Museum Educator, spoke about learning about museum visitors at the April Meeting. Our meeting in May will be held in conjunction with a special event weekend in Mackinaw City and we will attend the event as our program for the day. Future programs will focus on memberships, collections management, special event planning, and newsletters. We have enough topics of interest to keep us meeting for decades!
We are a young group but have already had participation by about half the historical organizations in our nine-county region. We look forward to meeting more members of our local historical community. For more information about the group, please contact Joann Leal (231-436-5626 or jpl0206@att.net).
