Contributed by Marla Taylor
Over the past month I have had the good fortune to represent the Peabody Institute at two professional conferences. Learning from others in a shared space can be really energizing and informative. I also really enjoy attending conferences and getting to connect with colleagues that I usually only see in a tiny Zoom window on my computer screen.
First, I attended the New England Museum Association (NEMA) Annual Conference in Newport, Rhode Island. NEMA is a great conference that brings together people in the area to discuss a wide range of museum-related topics. This year, I noticed more sessions that focused on telling LGBTQ+ stories, exploring ‘hidden histories,’ and how institutions can support emerging professionals.
I was the facilitator for a panel titled Implementing NAGPRA: A Conversation with NAGPRA Practitioners. The panel was composed of individuals who are part of the Northeast NAGPRA Community of Practice and was a conversation to demystify the repatriation process, learn from colleagues, and identify opportunities for collaboration. The session was well attended and we had a fabulous conversation amongst ourselves and with the audience.
After a short (but long) day in Newport, I traveled the following week to Palm Springs, California for the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) Annual Conference. I love ATALM. It is a conference full of helpful information on everything from repatriation to pesticide management in collections to archival management. I appreciate that so many of the conversations really center on uplifting Indigenous voices and perspectives in all aspects of museum and cultural heritage work. It is a space that is invigorating and inspiring to me as a professional.
I was part of a session at ATALM to share information about the review process for the development of the ICC Guide. That session was well attended and we received lots of supportive feedback.
The fall season tends to be super hectic with all the conference travel, but it is a great way to connect with the larger profession.
The Peabody 