Museum People

Dan goes to Maine with the mic and asks about first museum memories. Marieke reveals her own early transformative experience. Jim Duffey of the New England Aquarium describes his career in project management and design, how technology has impacted the visitor experience, and when “cool guys” from the Aquarium changed his life.

Episode Five music credits: “Waste of TV,” Hans Atom, ccmixter.org

Marieke queries “What is the value of museums?” Dan riffs on terrorism and political footballs. Jessica Bitely of the Northeast Document Conservation Center talks preservation, disaster, and how to deal with moldy cash that’s been buried in your yard.

Dan and Marieke get into the big museum issues and debate whether we’re stodgy or boring. “What do you wish people knew about museums?” Marieke asks her museum peeps. Bob Burns of the Mattatuck Museum describes the challenge of running a museum in an industrial city, how he’s helping drive downtown development and acting as a community resource.

Marieke questions museum workers about their greatest obstacles. Dan and Marieke ponder why museums are here and whether they deserve more money. Laurie Lamarre of the Institute for American Indian Studies talks about authenticity, empathy, diversity, and museums as social leaders.

NEMA Executive Director Dan Yaeger and Marieke Van Damme, director of the Cambridge Historical Society introduce themselves and the podcast. Marieke asks “Why do you love working with museums?” Alex Dunn of the Trustees of Reservations tells us why he’s optimistic about the future of museums.