Program Refresh: Out With the Old
12 Days of Christmas Day 5
We’re back with another episode of the “12 Days of Christmas Museum Education Edition!”
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:
If you can run a program on autopilot with no excitement, it’s time for a refresh. Your energy impacts audience engagement.
Monitor how the program resonates with staff and audiences—stale programs lead to disengaged participants.
Use Data as a Guide, Not a Judgment:
Know your numbers: attendance, cost, and audience retention. Use these metrics to inform updates but avoid letting them define your self-worth or the program’s value.
Balance Tradition with Innovation:
Keep core elements that resonate with your audience, like iconic crafts or recognizable activities.
Incorporate modern elements like new technology or current research without losing the program’s identity.
Engage Your Community:
Seek input from stakeholders—teachers, families, and advisory groups—before making major changes.
Pilot updates on a small scale to test their effectiveness before full implementation.
Document the Process:
Track changes, observe audience reactions, and gather feedback to evaluate the success of new elements.
Stay flexible and adjust as needed during the transition phase.
Frame Change as Growth, Not Failure:
Improvements don’t mean the original program was flawed. Focus on evolving from good to great while celebrating past successes.
Check out the episode on your favorite podcast player!
Actionable Takeaways
Take an inventory of your current programs and assess which ones might need updates.
Review data like attendance and costs for insights.
Engage your community for feedback and pilot changes before committing fully.
Celebrate tradition while embracing innovation to ensure your programs stay relevant and engaging.
Looking for the transcript? Find it here.
