Page Hayhurst, executive director of the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, attended a national forum, Feb. 19- 20, in San Diego, California, that explored the range of challenges facing America’s smaller institutions housing collections of plants and animals.
Hayhurst was one of 50 representatives of small and medium-sized living collection institutions nationwide invited to participate based on their leadership in the profession and in their communities.
The forum included sessions on protecting collections from natural disasters; organizing and caring for records and photographs that document their collections; and attracting funding in tough economic times.
IMLS, the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries, museums and living collections, presented the forum and covered all expenses. The forum was also presented in cooperation with the San Diego Zoo, and Heritage Preservation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the country’s heritage.
“Living collection institutions—from aquariums to zoos—play a very special role in our communities. We value them as places where we can learn about natural history and science, consider concepts of conservation and sustainability, and experience nature with friends and family,” said IMLS Director Anne-Imelda Radice, PhD. “At IMLS, we know that these special museums face unique conservation challenges. We are delighted to offer this opportunity for professionals from these institutions to come together and learn from each other.”
Read Hayhurst’s blog about the forum at: http://virginialivingmuseum.blogspot.com/
The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. For information, call 757-595-1900 or visit www.thevlm.org
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