Modern Museum Education

Are you a team of one carrying the weight of an entire education department on your own? In this episode of the Modern Museum Education Podcast, we are diving into the hidden leadership role of museum educators and how to balance frontline chaos with strategic responsibilities. It doesn't matter if you lack an official director title or don't manage a staff; if you influence museum programming, priorities, and resources, you are an education leader.We talk about the exhausting reality of dual capacity fatigue—that constant tug-of-war between being a program doer and a program planner. To help you break out of daily cycle of crisis and reaction, we explore how to apply systems thinking to your finite program calendar so you can stop treating your time like a bottomless well. You will learn how to trace upstream and downstream program dependencies, manage the ripple effect of a "yes," and protect your creative focus.Key Takeaways: • Recognize Dual Capacity Fatigue: Understand why frontline duties always seem to shout the loudest and how task guilt guts your creative focus. • Map Systemic Interactions: Learn to identify upstream needs, downstream aftermath, and cross-departmental bottlenecks. • Claw Back Your Calendar: Implement ruthless time blocking and leverage reliable volunteers to step off the floor and into high-level planning. • Shift Your Success Mindset: Discover why a director’s value is measured by the decisions made rather than the immediate actions taken.For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head to modernmuseumeducation.com/26.   Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: modernmuseumeducation.com/labRelated Episodes and Blog PostsLink hereWays I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: linkedin.com/in/rachelegibsonPinterest: pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: modernmuseumeducation.com 

When I transitioned from a frontline educator to an education director in 2016, I quickly realized that being a great educator and being a strategic leader are completely different skill sets. In this episode of the Modern Museum Education Podcast, I am sharing the essential frameworks you need to stop spinning in circles and confidently step into your strategic museum leadership role. We are diving into how to transition from museum educator to strategic museum leader by using simple systems thinking techniques for museums to shift our perspective from daily frontline chaos to macro-level institutional impact. Whether you are facing a linear logistical hurdle or a complex people-centered challenge, these techniques will help you reclaim your creative authority and design a sustainable, thriving department.By tuning in, you will discover: • How to identify structural friction using the EPIC framework (Explore, Produce, Intervene, Check). • The exact difference between hard systems thinking (logic models) and soft systems thinking (the iceberg model). • Ways to avoid "shifting the burden" with temporary band-aid solutions so you can implement long-term structural changes.For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head to modernmuseumeducation.com/25.Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/labRelated Episodes and Blog PostsEpisode 2: The History of Museum EducationWays I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelegibson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: www.modernmuseumeducation.com 

Ready to transform your gallery space from a quiet viewing room into a dynamic learning environment? In this episode, we explore how to use game mechanics to increase museum engagement and unpack why playful learning belongs in every institution—even when tackling tough subjects. We discuss the pervasive tension between our responsibility to our collections and our responsibility to our visitors, shifting our focus toward game-based learning as a rigorous pedagogy rather than a frivolous distraction. By the end of this episode, you will know how to:Diagnose specific learning bottlenecks where visitors lose narrative momentum.Map action verbs directly to intentional game mechanics.Implement the "5 Rs" of engagement principles: Random, Rapid, Rival, Reward, and Role (for more see Joe Bisz and Victoria Mondelli’s ALLURE framework).If you’ve been wondering how to make learning and engagement a smoother process for your visitors, this episode is the episode for you! For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head to modernmuseumeducation.com/24.Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/labRelated Episodes and Blog PostsEpisode 22: Designing Programs for Kids and AdultsEpisode 21: How to Foster Family EngagementWays I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelegibson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: www.modernmuseumeducation.com 

Is play in museums ok, or is it a complete distraction from serious learning? In this episode of the Modern Museum Education Podcast, we tackle the deep tension many museum educators feel when incorporating play into their programming. It’s easy to doubt your work when colleagues or the public brush off creative family programs as "just fun," but I’m here to tell you that play and learning aren't mutually exclusive. We dive into the concept of childism to uncover why society views play as frivolous and how adult-centric expectations shape the public's view of museum exhibits. By placing solid research behind our practice, we can confidently confront these normative assumptions. You will discover how play motivates personal learning, learn how Harvard's Pedagogy of Play framework supports autonomy, and explore how to apply Keller’s ARCS model of learning to your programs. Whether you call it choice-based learning, embodied engagement, or play, it’s exactly what our visitors need to thrive.Ready to implement these playful strategies without getting bogged down in academia? Come join the conversation in our free Telegram community, the Engagement Lab (modernmuseumeducation.com/lab), or check out my professional workshop services to train your staff on handling play in your space. Head over to ModernMuseumEducation.com for all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode!For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head to modernmuseumeducation.com/23 Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/labFind out how to partner with Rachel to improve your museum programs You can find all the books I recommend on this podcast on my Bookshop.org Podcast Recommendations & Resources ListAcademic Articles Referenced:Harvard’s Project Zero: The Pedagogy of PlayMardell, B., Ryan, J., Krechevsky, M., Baker, M., Schulz, T. S., & LiuConstant, Y. (2023). A pedagogy of play: Supporting playful learning in classrooms and schools. Project Zero. https://pz.harvard.edu/resources/pedagogy-of-play-book https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/pedagogy-play The ARCS Model of LearningKeller, J. M. (1987). Development and use of the ARCS model of instructional design. Journal of Instructional Development, 10(3), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02905780 What is play?Sutton-Smith, B. (1997). The ambiguity of play. Harvard University Press.What is childism?Wall, J. (2019). From childhood studies to childism: Reconstructing the scholarly and social imaginations. Children’s Geographies, 20(3), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2019.1668912Related Episodes and Blog PostsEpisode 22: Designing Programs for Kids and Adults Episode 21: Fostering Family Engagement Ways I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelegibson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: www.modernmuseumeducation.com 

Have you ever watched families in your museum and noticed that one person is totally engaged while someone else is completely checked out? In this episode of the Modern Museum Education Podcast, we’re breaking down exactly how to design museum programs that work for kids and adults at the same time. We are moving way beyond just slapping a coloring sheet on a side table with a powerful program design shift that helps you create true collaborative family learning experiences, even if you are working with a tight, scrappy museum budget and zero dedicated children's spaces.What you’ll discover:A breakdown of the nine principles of intergenerational collaborative learning.The secret to “layering content” so different age groups get different information at the exact same time.Easy "object-to-self" prompts you can use on guided tours tomorrow to get families talking.Stop stressing over a lack of space and start building programs that activate the entire group. Head over to modernmuseumeducation.com to grab the full show notes, explore our budget-friendly museum-ready materials, or join the conversation in our free Telegram community, the Engagement Lab!For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head to modernmuseumeducation.com/how-to-design-museum-programs-for-kids-and-adults. Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/labFind out how to partner with Rachel to improve your museum programsResearch Referenced:The U.S.S. Constitution Museum’s Engage Families Project https://engagefamilies.org/You can find all the books I recommend on this podcast on my Bookshop.org Podcast Recommendations & Resources ListRelated Episodes and Blog PostsEpisode 21: How to Foster Family Engagement in Museums Episode 6: Finding What’s Personal in a MuseumWays I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelegibson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: www.modernmuseumeducation.com 

Ever wonder why families actually walk through your museum’s doors? In this episode of the Modern Museum Education Podcast, I dive into the core frameworks of how to foster family engagement in museums. By understanding that parents and caregivers use museums to excel in their roles as parents, museum educators can shift their design focus toward intentional and meaningful intergenerational connection.Listeners will learn how to identify the three primary family visitor motivations, how to successfully scaffold gallery experiences to make grownups feel like the experts, and how to leverage key threshold moments at the start and end of a visit. I also break down actionable strategies like utilizing inquiry-based dialogue games to foster natural, collaborative family learning without burning out your staff. For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to modernmuseumeducation.com to access the show notes, learn about custom museum-ready materials, or join the Engagement Lab.Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/labFind out how to partner with Rachel to improve your museum programs You can find all the books I recommend on this podcast on my Bookshop.org Podcast Recommendations & Resources List, including the ones mentioned in this episode: The Value of Museums: Enhancing Societal Well-Being (2022) Identity and the Museum Visitor Experience (2009) Academic Articles Referenced:Analyzing family group decisions to visit museums (Taiwan) Wu, K.-L., Holmes, K., & Tribe, J. (2010). ‘Where do you want to go today?’ An analysis of family group decisions to visit museums. Journal of Marketing Management, 26(7–8), 706–726. https://doi.org/10.1080/02672571003780007Study on the National Day of Families (Italy)Borrione, P., Friel, M., & Segre, G. (2021). “Kids, today we’re going to the museum!” Discriminating factors in museum visiting for families with children in Italy. International Journal of Arts Management, 23(3), 21–31. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48650702How to play the Juicy Question Game (and more on family learning)Gutwill, J. P., & Allen, S. (2010). Facilitating family group inquiry at science museum exhibits. Science Education, 94(4), 710–742. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20387Related Episodes and Blog PostsEpisode 5: The Social Context of a Museum Visit Episode 22: How to Design Museum Programs That Work for Kids and AdultsWays I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelegibson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: www.modernmuseumeducation.com 

"Now more than ever, the world needs the truth, creativity, and inspiration that museums provide."We're wrapping up the 12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition with a heartfelt reflection on the importance of museum education. In this final episode of 2024, I share my gratitude for the museum educator community and excitement for what lies ahead in 2025.Join us as we celebrate the impact of museum education and look ahead to a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful connections.Thank you for being part of this amazing community! Let’s make 2025 the best year yet.For consulting inquiries or professional development opportunities, reach out via modernmuseumeducation.com. Stay tuned for more updates and resources in the new year!For full show notes and a transcript, visit https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/020.

In this penultimate episode of the 12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition, we dive into a deeply resonant topic for museum educators: finding and sustaining joy in your career. Whether you're thriving or just surviving, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you reconnect with your passion, create balance, and innovate in your work. From rediscovering the spark that brought you to museum education to building meaningful connections and setting boundaries, discover insights and practical advice to help you start the new year on a positive note. Find full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/019.

"Volunteers want to feel like they're contributing something meaningful, not just completing a task." Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition, a special podcast series designed to give museum educators actionable tips and research-backed strategies to elevate their programs for 2025. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on volunteer recognition programs—a cornerstone of many museum operations. Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of museum life, providing support for tours, events, and so much more. But as we move into a new year, it’s time to rethink how we inspire, reward, and retain our volunteers to create meaningful, long-term relationships. This episode will inspire you to take your volunteer recognition efforts from transactional to transformative! Find full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/018

“Your perspective is valuable. Whether your first presentation is big or small, it’s a chance to contribute and inspire others in the museum field.” In today’s episode we explore a topic that might feel intimidating to many but is incredibly rewarding: presenting at professional conferences. Sharing your knowledge and experiences with peers can be a transformative step in your professional journey, and Rachel is here to guide you through it! Whether you’re new to presenting or just need a little push, this episode is packed with actionable tips and heartfelt encouragement to help you take the leap. Rachel shares her personal journey, advice for starting small, and practical tips for planning, practicing, and engaging your audience. For full show notes and a transcript, visit https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/017

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition! In this episode, we explore the transformative power of human-centered design in creating museum programs that truly resonate with visitors. Whether you're designing for school groups, families, or adult learners, this approach puts people at the center, ensuring relevance, meaning, and engagement for all. Human centered design is not just for physical spaces! Use this technique to identify visitor needs, encourage collaboration, and refine your programs based on real-time feedback. Find the full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/016

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition! Today’s episode dives into fostering creativity and originality in museum education programs, inspired by Adam Grant’s book, *Originals*. Listen to learn key insights about the innovative nature of museum education and how museum educators are the prime candidates for fostering originality and innovation! Discover how to create a culture of creativity and find out why iteration is the key to success in museum education programming! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review or share it with a colleague. Join me tomorrow for Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas! Full show notes and transcript can be found at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/015

Today’s episode dives into the transformative power of systems thinking and its application to the wicked problems we face in museum education.Learn how this innovative mindset can help you approach complex challenges with clarity, adaptability, and creativity.In this episode, you'll discoverwhat wicked problems arehow systems thinking can help you solve wicked problemsa real-world example of a wicked problem in museum educationwhy systems thinking, and its emphasis on perspective-taking, can make a big difference for your museum education workFind full show note and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/014.

In today’s episode, Rachel dives into the art of knowing when—and how—to refresh long-standing museum education programs. Whether it’s your department’s signature offering or a seasonal favorite, keeping programs relevant and engaging requires intentional reflection, strategic updates, and community input. Key Takeaways: Recognize the Need for a Refresh Use Data as a Guide, Not a Judgement Balance Tradition with Innovation Engage Your Community Document the Process Frame Change as Growth, Not Failure Key Quotes “If you can do a program in your sleep, that’s not the energy you want to bring to an audience.” “Don’t let your numbers define you, but don’t run from them either." "Every ending is the beginning of something new. Embrace change and take your programs from good to great.” Find full show notes and a transcript at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/013

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of museum advocacy and policy in the United States. From the founding of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 to the creation of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 1996, we'll unpacks key moments in the relationship between museums and federal policymaking. If you’re curious about the roots of museum policy and its implications for advocacy, this bite-sized history lesson will deepen your understanding. Discover: The founding of the Smithsonian Institution and its unique origin story. The ambivalence of the federal government’s role in museum funding and cultural heritage. The impact of the 1969 Belmont Report on museum advocacy and public education. The evolution of the Museum Services Act into today’s IMLS. The concept of museum funding as a "wicked problem" with no perfect solutions. Key Takeaways: The relationship between museums and public education, a cornerstone of museum advocacy, has policy roots dating back to 1969. The 2025 reauthorization of IMLS funding is approaching. Museum educators and professionals should start preparing their advocacy strategies now. Advocacy Day with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is in February—research your state’s advocacy efforts and get involved!

Welcome back to the Modern Museum Education Podcast! Today is Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition, a special holiday series packed with actionable tips to elevate your museum education programs. In this episode, we dive into the art of creating magnetic marketing copy that turns potential audiences into engaged participants. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Write enticing program descriptions that grab attention and convey value. Use action-oriented, inclusive language tailored to your audience. Adapt your message for different platforms, from snappy social media captions to detailed email campaigns. End with a compelling call-to-action that drives attendance. Ready to transform your program blurbs into must-see invitations? Tune in and learn how to make your programs stand out! For more resources or to connect, visit modernmuseumeducation.com. 

Welcome to day two of the "12 Days of Christmas: Museum Education Edition!" Today’s episode is all about rekindling your museum magic – breathing fresh life into program ideas, especially during quieter winter months. Key Takeaways: Embrace your inner explorer by wandering your galleries. Innovation often comes from collaboration. Walk through the museum from your visitors' perspectives. Draw inspiration from pop culture, social media, and broader trends to create programs that resonate with today’s audiences. Fail forward and experiment with new ideas. Continue learning and seeking inspiration by attending workshops, reading widely, and exploring virtual museum programs. Resources Mentioned: Identity and the Museum Visitor Experience by John Falk The Value of Museums* by John Falk  Museum Educators Roundtable Blog AAM Blog Connect with Rachel: Explore Rachel’s website to book a consultation or "Power Hour" for personalized advice on enhancing your museum programs. https://modernmuseumeducation.com/services

Welcome to the first episode of the “12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition!” Let’s dive into a vital topic: moving beyond “crafting for craft’s sake” in museum programming.  Key Quotes “To craft for craft's sake is your mother's museum education. And I said what I said.” “Every crafting activity that we design should be more than just a fun distraction. It should be a powerful storytelling tool that aligns seamlessly with our mission, and it should transform simple projects into impactful educational experiences.” For more detailed show notes and a transcript, visit www.modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/009.  Connect with Rachel If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to subscribe, like, and leave a review—it helps other museum educators find this resource. For questions, coaching opportunities, or to be a guest on the show, visit http://modernmuseumeducation.com.

Spring is in the air, and just like nature, it's time for us to grow and bloom!  I've been on a journey, balancing PhD life with family changes, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. But, as the seasons change, so does my capacity to dive back into what I love most - supporting museum educators. Lately, I've been reflecting on how we can simplify our work, make it more joyful, and avoid burnout. It's heartbreaking to see passionate educators feeling overwhelmed, and I'm here to say: Let's make things easier on ourselves! In this episode, you'll discover three tips to embrace the spring energy and rejuvenate your passion for museum education!  Here's to making big things happen, one small step at a time! For full show notes and a transcript, visit modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/008.  

In this episode of the MME podcast, we dive into the concept of optimal certainty and challenge the common mindset that our goal is to teach visitors something completely new.  In between a story about a giant cardboard dragon and an analogy about dressing a mannequin, you’ll discover the importance of creating a learning environment that balances a visitor’s prior knowledge and experiences with their own powerful curiosity. Key Takeaways include: Learning is a cumulative and individual process that occurs over time and across different contexts. Visitors are more likely to learn and engage deeply with topics they already have some prior knowledge about. Curiosity is a natural motivator that drives visitors to explore and seek answers to their questions. Striking the balance between familiar knowledge and opportunities for curiosity, otherwise known as “optimal certainty” is a powerful way to engage visitors. Real-life examples you can try out in your programs today. Resources Mentioned: Full show notes, including links and transcript can be found at modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/007. Visit the website, https://modernmuseumeducation.com/ to join Rachel’s email list and be the first to find out about her new, exciting project coming soon! Looking for your next professional development read? Links to Rachel’s recommendations, including Learning From Museums and The Value of Museums, can be found at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/bookshelf. Want to be a guest on the podcast? We are looking for museum educators of all kinds to share their experiences, expertise, and ideas. Click here to let us know you are interested! Did you know Rachel can run a personalized workshop for your staff, based around the latest research on creating valuable programming? Find out more at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/services.

In this episode of the MME podcast, we dive deeper into the concept of crafting valuable experiences in museums, focusing this time on the personal context of a visitor's museum journey.  Building on previous discussions, we explore how museum exhibits and programs can create transformational experiences that deeply resonate with individuals. I’ll explain what “peak personal experiences” are and why creating opportunities for them to arise is invaluable to the success of your programs. Key Takeaways include: Creating peak personal experiences in museums leads to visitor satisfaction and meaningful memories. These experiences are highly personal and unpredictable, often resulting in strong emotional reactions and attachment to the museum. How “culturally privileging” certain experiences over others limit our programming reach, particularly to children audiences. 4 tips for immediately improving visitors’ opportunity for personal satisfaction at your museum Resources Mentioned: Did you know Rachel can run a personalized workshop for your staff, based around the latest research on creating valuable programming? Find out more at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/services. Looking for your next professional development read? Links to Rachel’s recommendations, including Family Spaces in Art Museums and The Value of Museums, can be found at https://modernmuseumeducation.com/bookshelf. Want to be a guest on the podcast? We are looking for museum educators of all kinds to share their experiences, expertise, and ideas. Click here to let us know you are interested!

In this episode, we pick up with the ideas presented in John Falk's book "The Value of Museums," and consider how museums and museum programming are uniquely positioned to tap into visitor's primal need for social interaction. Key takeaways include:  How our need to be successful in social situations is directly proportional to our self-esteem How we perceive museum visits in relation to our social status The hugely significant finding from Dr. Falk's research that supports the work of children's programs in museums For links to the resources mentioned, visit modernmuseumeducation.com/bookshelf. Interested in working with Rachel directly? Find out more at modernmuseumeducation.com/services. For a full transcript and show notes, visit modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/005.

As educators, we often focus on visitors’ intellectual experiences, but the physical context of a person’s experience in our museums is the starting point of their learning journey. In this episode, we consider the number thing we must do in order to convince a visitor to take an intellectual risk with us and we talk through some simple ways to improve the physical context of our programs and tours.   Key Takeaways:  When visiting a museum, people expect to experience things in the physical context, a personal context, in a social context, as well as an intellectual context. Visitors cannot take an intellectual risk if they feel physically unsafe or uncomfortable. Improving physical wellbeing makes your entire site more inclusive. For links to the books referenced in this episode, check out modernmuseumeducation.com/bookshelf. For a full transcript of this episode, visit modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/004.

If experiences are the mainstay of museum education, how can we be sure we are crafting valuable ones for our visitors? This episode kicks off a multi-part series diving into some of the latest research into what makes a museum visit worth a person's time. Key takeaways include: Value is determined by the user, not the producer. Visitors today are looking for more than experiences; they want transformation. Transformation happens when you create settings and offer experiences that meet your visitors' well-being needs.  Books mentioned in this episode: The Value of Museums, by John H. Falk Learning from Museums, by John H. Falk and Lynn Dierking Come, Stay, Learn, Play by Andrea Nalls Full show notes and can be found at modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/003.

What I learned about the history of museum education blew my mind and helped me think more broadly about the work all museum professionals do. In this episode, you'll learn when education first became a focus in museums and who the "Father of Museum Education" was. If you're like me, this information will surprise and challenge you as you consider why you do what you do. For full show notes, including links and a transcript, visit modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast/002.  

Welcome to the debut episode of the Modern Museum Education podcast! In this episode, we tackle why museum education often gets the short end of the stick when it comes to funding and resources, and why our field is frequently misunderstood as "childish" just because we primarily work with children. I share my journey of over 20 years in the field and pitch my ultimate "hot take": children’s programming is not frivolous—it is the literal future of our institutions. We will look at how the profession has evolved from merely discussing experiential learning to asking critical questions about empathy, diversity, and belonging. Listen in to discover how we can reverse the chronic cycle of being overworked and underappreciated so we can reclaim our creativity and emotional energy. By the end of this episode, you will learn how to shift perspectives on the value of youth programming, understand why children are the long-term financial lifeblood of museums, and get a sneak peek into how studying our professional history can help us demand more institutional respect. Ready to make your museum education work simpler, easier, and a lot less stressful? Head over to Modern Museum Education to grab your free resources and join our email community today!For full show notes, visit modernmuseumeducation.com/1.

Join Rachel, a resource expert for museum educators who are stretched thin, but long to fall in love with their world changing work. Together, we'll reverse the chronic state of being overworked and underappreciated and reclaim our creativity and emotional energy.  Find out more at modernmuseumeducation.com/podcast.