September 28, 2018

For Immediate Release

Iowa Museum Association Announces Certificate Recipients

Cedar Falls – The Iowa Museum Association (IMA) has awarded certificates to four Mason City residents.  Joyce Deike (Wright on the Park & Stockman House), Kay Ingersoll (Kinney Pioneer Museum); Tara Schlichting (Wright on the Park); and Lindsey James (Visit Mason City), each received a certificate for completion of a series of five workshops on core museum industry topics.  The series, called “Progressing Toward Sustainable Small Cultural Organizations,” is offered annually by the Iowa Museum Association in partnership with city or county tourism or economic development offices.

The Cerro Gordo County series took place over six months, and was attended by representatives from Wright on the Park, Stockman House, Kinney Pioneer Museum, Friends of Cannonball 457, Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, Mason City Foundation/Music Man Square, River City Society for Historic Preservation, Surf Ballroom, and the Carrie Chapman Catt Home.

Participants discussed topics including mission, vision, and board governance; management and planning related to budget and staffing; audience and community engagement; interpretation; and stewardship of collections. 

The purpose of the series is to enable organizations to progress toward best practices, grow in capacity to serve their communities as stewards, economic engines, and tourism attractions, and help ensure their sustainability.  The series is suitable for museums, genealogical libraries, historical societies, history associations, county conservation boards, library history rooms, community history centers, and other collecting institutions.  It is offered in only one location in Iowa each year.

Speakers during the 2018 series were Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim Norwegien Museum, Casie Vance, Ames Historical Society, Dr. Heidi Lung, University of Iowa, Julie Huffman-klinkowitz, Cedar Falls Historical Society, and Cynthia Sweet, Iowa Museum Association.

Speakers presented four-hour workshops consisting of presentation, group discussion, activities, question and answer, and handouts.  Institutional homework was suggested during each workshop to assist participants in focusing on areas that may need review by their staff and Board of Directors.

The Iowa Museum Association is currently accepting proposals for the location of the 2019 series.

For more information visit www.iowamuseums.org or contact [email protected] or 319-239-2236.