Small Museums and Heritage Interpretation
“Your museum is so varied in its historical exhibits. I was immediately impressed with the recognition the museum offered to the various ethnic groups who contributed to your community. We were amazed at how informative and gracious the docent was. I have been to great museums all over the world, but I don’t think I ever had such a wonderful museum experience as I did yesterday!”
James Hampton, Museum visitor
What I Do
You work or volunteer in a small museum, so you know: running a museum involves hundreds of tasks, and we rarely have the in-house expertise that we need to achieve them all. Finding the time for your small team to do it is even harder. I can help.
In three decades of working as a staff of one in small museums, I have seen and done it all. From setting up systems and providing training and support for your staff and volunteers, to tackling that pesky project that’s been waiting for the right person to come along – I can provide the expertise you need to accomplish your goals. And I bring a lot of experience in accomplishing them on a shoe-string budget.
I specialize in heritage interpretation and community engagement. Whether you are preparing a topic-specific program, developing a site-wide interpretive plan, or trying to connect with partners, I can help you create an engaging, dynamic experience for your visitors and your community.
Services
Strategic planning
Policy development
Grant-writing training and support
Community engagement support
Collections management
Exhibit and program design
Staff and volunteer training
Career Highlights
Governance and Operations:
As an organization’s first permanent staff person, I was intrinsically involved in defining the roles of Executive Director and other staff, developing operational and governance policies, and supporting the transition from Managing Board to Governance Board.
Community Engagement:
Under my leadership, the Creston Museum went from a seasonal tourist attraction to a vibrant and vital part of the community, furthering its mission through a broad spectrum of community partnerships.
Mentor and Team Leader:
I have mentored many emerging professionals, volunteers, and organizational leaders in the changing paradigms and priorities of the museum field, established effective training programs, and supported many in furthering their careers in the museum and non-profit fields.
Financial Administration:
I have established basic, effective day-to-day bookkeeping systems for small organizations: inventory management, point-of-sale systems, project budgeting, payroll, and grant funding tracking systems.
Tammy Bradford Professional Services 