January 22 | 2024

Have you seen the latest issue of Inside SEMC! Lots to celebrate from 2023 and a solid foundation to build on for 2024!

Keep an eye on this new section of E-News to learn more about what the SEMC Council is actively working toward on behalf of all SEMC members. Questions about the work of the SEMC Council? Please reach out to Zinnia Willits to put you in contact with individual Council members.

The Southeastern Museums Conference will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting October 21-23, 2024 at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

About the 2024 Conference Theme

The 2024 SEMC Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, focuses on innovation and inspiration. How should museums move forward in a rapidly changing world? Over the last four years, we have experienced substantial shifts in governance, economy, community, societal beliefs, and technology. Despite these challenges, how can we continue to inspire our visitorship? Our donors? Our workforce? Let’s explore innovative ideas for change across our field, to ensure museums remain relevant and impactful now and in the future.

Join SEMC attendees for direct conversation, networking, and professional growth and development next fall in Baton Rouge!

The deadline for SEMC2024 session proposals is rapidly approaching. If you've already submitted a proposal, we appreciate your contribution! If you haven't submitted one yet due to uncertainty about what to present, worry not – we're here to assist! To make things easier for you, we've compiled a thorough list of suggested topics based on the 2023 session evaluations. Access the complete list HERE. While the list is extensive, we've highlighted the most recommended topics below for your convenience.

Don’t delay! The deadline to submit is Friday, February 2, 2024.

If you've conceptualized an excellent proposal but find yourself struggling to articulate your thoughts or craft a compelling argument, we recommend considering the following tips:

1.      Presenter diversity matters. The Program Committee will prioritize sessions that have given careful thought to the presenter lineup, bringing diverse perspectives to the conversation and reflecting the diversity of our region (museum types and sizes, geography, career stages, race and ethnicity, etc.). 

2.      Don't stress about the "Title." Sometimes it's best to start with something basic. When in doubt, simple and to-the-point titles are better. Wordy titles may create confusion and guesswork for attendees.

3.      Be clear and concise. What will your session cover? As you complete your proposal, you will be asked to list the top takeaways attendees will learn from your session. Make a point to stay focused on your topic and how you plan to present it. Develop several key points about your proposed session and line them out in a logical sequence.

4.      Offer practical solutions. The best sessions are those that offer practical, scalable solutions and strategies. Practical doesn’t always mean safe or easy, so feel free to challenge your attendees and encourage conversation or debate. 



5.      Provide tools and tips. Consider providing tools, templates, and resources for attendees to take back with them. Be sure to include in your proposal what tools and tips you plan to provide attendees.

SEMC2023 attendees learned about the artists behind the (Un)Known project in Louisville Kentucky, and the power of art, storytelling, and collaboration to support racial healing and reconciliation. 

Is your company interested in supporting the SEMC2024 Annual Meeting through sponsorship? Contact Zinnia Willits to learn more about sponsor opportunities, levels and benefits at zwillits@semcdirect.net or 843-224-0876

Thank you to all who applied to join the 2024 SEMC Program Committee. There were an overwhelming number of applicants this year for a limited number of spots.

The SEMC Program Committee is a diverse group of dedicated museum and industry professionals who represent varying career levels, disciplines, and Southern regions. The Committee is responsible for reviewing annual conference session proposals, assisting with the organization of the programmatic offerings, and acting as session shepherds.

Volunteer Committee members attend a mid-year meeting and the fall conference, actively participate in the review and critique of session proposals and shepherd at least two sessions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

The 2024 Program Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Although participation requires a substantial commitment of time, energy, and potential travel costs, the rewards are immense. Members work alongside a diverse group of professionals, meet industry peers from across the Southeast region, and become an essential part of the SEMC family. 

Welcome 2024!

Are you as excited for 2024 as I am? A new year always means looking at ideas and how we get things done in fresh and exciting ways!

Something that I am really excited about is the idea of finding ways to connect members in person to network and collaborate. It's a challenge because SEMC members are spread out across the region.

So how can we do this?

I have enlisted a few members who are also excited about putting this together to help me brainstorm ideas. What do you think an in-person SEMC "Member Mixer" should look like? Who better to give us feedback than YOU! Send me an email with your ideas; we would love to add as many voices as possible to planning this new program.

Wouldn't it be fun to have an in-person meet-up with other SEMC members in your city? Stay tuned for details as we develop this program/model!

If you have membership ideas, feedback or suggestions let me know. It always makes my day when I hear from SEMC members!

Are you following us on social media? It's the best way to stay in the know about all things SEMC.

Instagram     semcdirect

Facebook     southeasternmuseums

Twitter          semc2

Have a fantastic week,

Carla

Carla Phillips

Membership & Communications Manager

cphillips@semcdirect.net

Thank you for supporting SEMC through membership!

Questions about SEMC In-Person Programs? Contact Zinnia Willits zwillits@semcdirect.net or Heather Nowak, hnowak@semcdirect.net

SEMC is proud to feature Alexandra DeLuca, as our first One to Watch of 2024! Alexandra is the Education Assistant and Museum Attendant/Guest Relations at History Cherokee in Canton, Georgia.

Alexandra's nomination letter emphasized her contributions as an enthusiastic team player and an integral part of a positive visitor experience at History Cherokee.

"Since joining the History Cherokee team in late 2022, Alexandra has excelled in her role as Museum Attendant. The first person people see when they enter the museum, Alexandra greets all patrons with an enthusiasm that would make even the most reluctant museum goer excited to visit our galleries. Organized and attentive, she's always the first to lend a hand to other departments and is not afraid to take charge when needed.

Alexandra is a true leader (with some truly exceptional Excel skills), who reminds us all that the front-of-house staff is the backbone of any successful museum."

Congratulations Alexandra DeLuca: One to Watch!

We are pleased to announce that Arsenio Andrus has been selected for the inaugural SEMC Handumy Jean Tahan Internship at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Arsenio is a native of Opelousas with a deep passion for education and empowerment. He is committed to preserving the culture in St. Landry Parish because it is a place of rich cultural heritage and history. He is a proud University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduate and holds a master’s degree in justice administration from Excelsior University in Albany, New York. Arsenio is pursuing an MBA from Excelsior University, emphasizing his dedication to continuing education and professional growth.

Arsenio's internship will focus on the creation of an orientation booklet for Opelousas Museum volunteers and employees. The booklet will provide information to be shared with the public during museum tours. The content will include information about the history and culture of Opelousas, provide details about exhibits, and serve as an important tool for volunteers and future employees.  

Thanks to support provided by the Handumy Jean Tahan Internship Fund and the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, Arsenio will be paid for his internship efforts.

Learn more about the Handumy Jean Tahan Internship at the link below.



Applications for 2024/2025 Internship Funding will open in spring 2024.

Congratulations to Arsenio Andrus, a new SEMC member and 2024 intern at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center.

Today we are proud to feature a NEW SEMC Institutional member, the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum.

Remember those little spinny whirligigs you enjoyed as a kid? Imagine them one thousand times bigger! Ready to see art in motion? Head to Wilson, North Carolina, and explore the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum, a park that encourages you to check the forecast before you go so you can experience the full whirly wonderful-ness!

Visitors will never be at a loss for something to do at this two-acre park, featuring 30 of Vollis Simpson’s unique, life-size whirligigs.

Farm machinery repairman, Vollis Simpson, began making gigantic kinetic sculptures at his family farm in Wilson County when he was nearing retirement age. Without any advertising, Simpson’s farm became one of Wilson County’s top tourism destinations and his work began to be discovered by art collectors.

Sadly, Mr. Simpson died at the age of 94 in May of 2013, but not before a plan was announced to create the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Historic Downtown Wilson. Mr. Simpson was delighted that his work would survive and continue to delight people for generations to come.

During his life, Vollis Simpson never called himself an artist, but the New York Times did and recognized him as a creator of some of the most recognizable works in the genre of homemade Outsider Art. Today, his work can be found in museums around the world. But the largest collection of his Whirligigs is right in his hometown of Wilson in the Park -- and now Museum -- that bears his name.

Discover how giant sculptures come to life with just a breeze at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum!

Will you be joining hundreds of museum professionals from across the country next month to tell our Federal legislators why museums matter?

SEMC will have several representatives attending MAD in Washington DC. It would be great to organize a meet-up of our southeastern members.

Please let Zinnia Willits know if you are coming at zwillits@semcdirect.net

A memory from Museum Advocacy Day 2019. South Carolina members talk to Senator Lindsey Graham.

SEMC: Around the Region.....

SEMC staff has the opportunity to interact with members across the region each week...and we see and hear so much. Watch this E-News feature for information we pick up in weekly calls, emails, Zooms, and in-person visits with members!

Last week the Georgia Association of Museums held its 2024 Annual Meeting in Athens, Georgia. SEMC staff were honored to attend and spend a few days of fellowship, fun, and professional learning with museum colleagues and friends, old and new. With almost 200 Georiga museum professionals in attendance, we think it's safe to say that GAM is thriving! Congratulations to all for a terrific conference and stellar sessions and events! We were very #SEMCProud of everyone who organized, attended, and supported!

Dear SEMC,

This made me laugh.

It's been a long three years indeed.

Let's make 2024 a great one!

I am here for whatever you need.

Sincerely,

Zinnia Willits, Executive Director

zwillits@semcdirect.net