Program

About Our Program

The Association of Midwest Museums and Wisconsin Federation of Museums (WFM) welcome our members and colleagues to join us in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 20-23, 2022, for an interdisciplinary conference developed for museum professionals at any stage of their career. 

This year’s conference program has two parts – one day of all-virtual programming on Tuesday, July 19th, as well as a safe, welcoming in-person experience on July 20-23. Both virtual and in-person programs will feature opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange and a chance to see Milwaukee museums.

Program Quick Links:

About the Theme

At the start of the pandemic, we all hoped the disruptions would be over soon. Today, we realize that what we thought was temporary is now our new normal. Many things have changed, including museums. As museums have adapted, so have their workers. You’ve tested new ideas and discovered new ways to lead, collaborate, connect, and educate. You have worked hard. You’ve stepped forward. You have persevered. 

Let’s honor the ground you’ve broken for tomorrow by continuing to take steps forward, not backward.

The creativity we unlocked—along with new skills developed, access gained, lessons learned, and collaborations formed—are here to stay. We need to stay nimble, flexible, and keep the momentum going with our sights set on a more equitable, accessible, sustainable future for Midwestern museums.

FORWARD, TOGETHER will build on the critical conversations that have been taking place across the museum profession the last 2 years and offer opportunities to seek feedback and ideas that will advance the work you’ve already begun to do. As we gather as a network of colleagues and confidants for the first time in 3 years in Wisconsin’s “gathering place by the water,” we’ll take a step back from our day-to-day routines to gather our thoughts and absorb our lessons-learned. We’ll unpack the hardships, inequities, and opportunities brought to light by the pandemic as we engage our peers in discussions about new models that have emerged. We’ll seek inspiration from Milwaukee’s outstanding museum community and let go of “the way it was before.” With the support of our peers, we’ll begin to identify our own unique paths forward.

No matter how big or small your next steps are, let’s keep moving FORWARD, TOGETHER.

Call for Session Proposals

The 2022 Call for Session Proposals is closed. Stay tuned for the 2023 Call for Proposals this fall.

Program and Session Information

We’re happy to announce this year’s sessions, events, and other programs! View the Schedule at a Glance to see daily schedules. Click below to learn more about each aspect of the virtual and in-person programs:

If you are a Milwaukee museum or cultural organization and wish to participate in planning or as a host, please contact us today.