Virginia Association of Museums

The Virginia Association of Museums, in partnership with a large consortium of institutions including Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition Service, Allegheny Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Cape Charles Historical Society, Colonial Beach Historical Society, Isle of Wight County Museum, Salem Museum, and Waynesboro Public Library, will offer a pilot project to meet the professional development needs of museums in rural communities. This project will encompass a two-year, hands-on training exercise incorporating workshops, technical assistance, practical application, and mentoring. The focus for the training exercise will be a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute's Traveling Exhibit Service (SITES); topics will incorporate training in exhibit planning, logistics and design, programming and planning special events, public relations and promotion, grant writing and development, and community involvement.