Osage Nation Museum Selected to Participate in National Museum Assessment Program
January 12, 2016 - For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Hallie Winter | 918-287-5222 | hwinter@osagenation-nsn.gov
Pawhuska, OK (1/12/2016) – The Osage Nation Museum (ONM) has been selected to participate in the Museum Assessment Program (MAP). Through guided self-study and on-site consultation with a museum professional, participation in MAP will empower the Osage Nation Museum to better serve the citizens of the Osage Nation and Pawhuska, Oklahoma by facilitating its meeting and exceeding the highest professional standards of the museum field.
“Choosing to be part of the MAP program is indicative of the commitment to civic involvement, public service and overall excellence on the part of the Osage Nation Museum,” said Laura Lott, president of AAM. “Studies have shown America’s museums to be among the country’s most trusted and valued institutions. MAP is designed to make them even better.
As part of the IMLS National Leadership program, MAP advances best practices and fosters improvements in museums. MAP is a self-motivated program; each local institution initiates participation in MAP; those accepted invest considerable human and institutional resources into the assessment.
MAP is a confidential process of self-study, peer review and implementation. Museums use the assessment process to strengthen operations, build capacity, and enhance communication throughout the organization and in response to community needs. Participant museums choose one of three categories for its assessment: Collections Stewardship, Organizational, and Community Engagement. The ONM will take part in the Organizational assessment process.
Small and mid-sized museums of all types, including art, history, science and technology, children’s, natural history, historic houses, nature centers, botanical gardens, and zoos participate in the program.
Hallie Winter, Curator at the Osage Nation Museum said, “The ONM is pleased to be accepted into the MAP program. We are looking forward to completing the seven-month process to better serve our community and implement best practices and standards of the museum field. The assessment team will consist of the Museum staff as well as a member from the executive office and an Osage Nation constituent. It is our hope that in completing this lengthy process, the Osage Nation Museum will begin working toward museum accreditation, as well as improving our financial sustainability, care of collections, development of policies and procedures, and furthering our community engagement. The staff at the ONM strives to present unique programming and exhibits of the highest quality as well as excellence in leadership, integrity, collaboration, enlightenment, stability, and respect.”
About the Osage Nation Museum
The Osage Nation Museum is the oldest tribally-owned and operated museum in the United States. The Museum opened its doors in 1938 and over the past 77 years has continued to welcome visitors from across the United States and abroad. It is the mission of the ONM to foster the education of the public about the history, traditions, and customs as well as artistic and cultural expressions of the Osage people through its exhibition and educational programs that nurture creativity and encourage active learning.
2015 brought a multitude of changes to this long-standing, cultural gem of the Osage Nation. The Museum has experienced a staffing reorganization, as well as the implementation of many new construction projects. Our focus is to present the history of the Osage Nation to its audience today while looking forward to educating future generations.
The Osage Nation Museum is a welcoming place open to everyone for a cultural and educational experience. Come and visit us today!
Contact Information
Phone: 918-287-5441
Fax: 918-287-5227
Email: Museum@osagenation-nsn.gov
Website: www.osagenation-nsn.gov/who-we-are/osage-nation-museum
Location
819 Grandview Avenue
Pawhuska, OK 74056
Hours of Admission
Admission is Free
Tuesday – Saturday
8:30am – 5:00pm
The ONM is closed on Mondays, Sundays and all Federal Holidays