Kincentricity: A Case Study in Growing Community through Native Gardens

Funded by a 3-year grant from the IMLS, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) partnered with the Amah Mutsun Land Trust to establish a public native garden at the MAH. The project centers Indigenous peoples in community-based artistic and curatorial practice. Two years into its foundation, we examine the process, effects, challenges, and possibilities of native gardens in public urban spaces.

Presenters:
Shanti Nagwani, Exhibitions Manager, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Valentin Lopez, Former Chairman of the Amah Mutun Tribal Band

This content was originally presented as a case study from the CAM 2026 conference in Los Angeles. 

This content was originally presented as a panel session from the CAM 2025 conference in San Francisco.

Stewarding and Exhibiting Previously Unmanaged Collections
This session explores the professionalization journey of two small organizations. One has transitioned from an amateur collection into a museum, and will highlight effective exhibition planning, funding, and community engagement strategies, while the other has leveraged grant funding to undertake a comprehensive inventory, cataloging, and storage retrofit project. Discussion will include overcoming challenges like lack of an accession plan and managing unsorted collections, while preserving heritage and making it accessible to a broader audience.

Presenters
Rachel Lee, Executive Director, California Historical Radio Society
Alexandra Thompson, Registrar + History Programs Manager, New Museum Los Gatos

Unionizing in Museums: Moving Beyond the Moment and Toward Building a Movement
Join emerging and veteran union organizers in the museum sector to discuss why they organized, the evolving landscape of labor rights in our country, collective bargaining agreements, and advocating for workers' rights. The conversation will focus on strategies for organizing, challenges and solutions, answering audience questions, and sharing experiences from the frontlines of the labor movement. Museum professionals at all levels who are interested in or currently involved in union activities should attend.

Presenters
Natalie Kramm, Union Organizer, CalAcademy Workers United
Marie Angel, Union Organizer, CalAcademy Workers United
Linds Young, Union Organizer, OMCAWU

A special thanks to Balboa Park Online Collaborative, the exclusive sponsor for CAM's summer Lunch and Learn series. 

This content was originally presented as a panel session from the CAM 2024 conference in Long Beach.

Collaboration and Community Care as Praxis
The Museum of the African Diaspora and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco serve distinct roles in the Bay Area creative landscape, MoAD as a culturally-specific institution centering arts of the African diaspora, and FAMSF as a multisite institution featuring artworks spanning millennia. Both aspire to expand the visitor’s worldview and consider the lived experiences of marginalized people. Panelists from both institutions share recent projects demonstrating myriad approaches to building inclusivity and community care.

XR for All: From Beginner to Explorer in Extended Reality
From Beginner to Explorer in Extended Reality. Discover how XR transformed our lives and can revolutionize yours. Learn practical steps to begin your own XR journey and hear about our experiences and ongoing exploration. Understand how XR can enhance your work and open up new possibilities. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to delve into the world of XR, regardless of your background.    

A New Chapter for NAGPRA
With the passing of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990, the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA) in 2001, and the update to NAGPRA this year, museum’s compliance with the legislation is essential. This session will not only provide an overview of the current and updated laws, but will also explore which type of institutions are required to comply.

Presenters: Desiree Martinez, Tribal Liasion/ NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Director Cal Poly Pomona; Mario Pallari, Staff Council, California Native American Heritage Commission; Buffy McQuillen, Vice Chairperson, California Native American Heritage Commission, THPO/Repatriation, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

A special thanks to BELFOR Property Restoration, the exclusive sponsor for CAM's free summer's Lunch and Learn series. 

This content was originally presented as a panel from the CAM 2023 conference in Oakland.

Expanding Diverse Storytelling in Museums
Storytelling and theater in Museums oftentimes sits within the ancillary offerings, but how can these mediums of personal narrative be folded into the essential inquiry of our institutions? In this panel discussion we will explore how interdisciplinary creative inquiry is able to break barriers to allow visitors to engage authentically with Museums.

This content was originally presented as a panel titled "Finding Yourself in Museums: Using Storytelling to Center Personal Narratives and Break Down Institutional Barriers".

Creating a Successful Accessible Museum
A growing body of research shows that people with disabilities want to visit museums, but often feel excluded. As the population ages, the number of disabled will skyrocket. This panel provides an overview and examples of impactful and cost-effective accommodation strategies, including access programs creating a genuinely inclusive museum experience. The participants of this panel reflect the key players in the growing field of museum accessibility and inclusivity. Panelists include a museum professional, a technology and accessibility specialist, a researcher in disability studies, and a museum accessibility advocate. The moderator is a journalist and graduate researcher in this field.

This event was exclusively sponsored by CalNonprofits Insurance Services.

Monumental Reckoning
How should California’s public institutions and leaders address controversial monuments as we reckon with a legacy of injustice in public art? This panel will discuss the inherent vice of monuments, creative approaches to dealing with existing installations, and public engagement as a critical component in finding a sustainable path forward.

This event was exclusively sponsored by the University of San Francisco Museum Studies M.A. Program.

Strategies for Utilizing Teen Volunteers in Small Museums
Learn how the Gilb Museum’s 2-person staff is able to maintain and operate a 45-person teen volunteer program. Hear strategies and practical examples of how to create a sustainable teen volunteer program that helps to engage the community and provide assistance in a small museum setting.

This content was originally presented as a panel session from the CAM Across California conferences in 2022. 

Creating and Sustaining Access
Hear from a diverse range of museum professionals and accessibility programmers about their work to develop accessible programs, exhibitions, tours, and experiences for people of all ages in art museums, and historic houses. Leave with ideas for how to promote and sustain inclusion at your own museum.

Panelists: Karen Kienzle, Director, Palo Alto Art Center Fran Osborne, Independent Curator; Eva Laflamme, Visitor Services Manager, Filoli Estate and Gardens; Maia Scott, Interdisciplinary artist; Lori Gray, Program Director, Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program

This was originally presented as a panel for the CAM 2022 mini-conference in San Francisco and has been adapted for a webinar format.

Understanding Emerging Museum Professionals
Note: This session dedicates time to both the San Diego and Bay Area branches of the National Emerging Museum Professionals Network.

Moving on Up: The Unwritten Rules for Career Advancement as an Emerging BIPOC Museum Professional
Navigating the world of museums as an emerging professional can be challenging; yet the challenges for BIPOC professionals are even greater, breaking into an industry that has institutional legacies of discrimination. The panel of BIPOC museum leaders will share their experiences and how they navigate the barriers placed upon them. We encourage all attendees to attend this session to hear their voices!

Presenters: Azha Simmons, President, Bay Area Emerging Museum Professionals; Demetri Broxton, Senior Director of Education, Museum of the African Diaspora; Javier Plasencia, Program Manager for the University of San Francisco Museum Studies MA Program

It's Brutal Out Here: The Future of Museum Work for Emerging Professionals
A panel for all museum professionals! Join board members from San Diego's Emerging Museum Professionals to discuss the shifting climate and culture of early career professionals. Panelists will discuss the challenges and future of museum work, and how affordable programming and partnerships can help emerging museum workers navigate the field.

Presenters: Mikee Ferran, Museum Exhibition and Visual Arts Manager, California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum; Tiona Lyons-King, Visitor Services Lead, Mingei International Museum; Jon Osio Lardizabal, Marketing and Events Coordinator, PARU

These were originally presented as panels for the CAM 2022 mini-conferences in San Francisco and San Diego and have been adapted for a webinar format. This free webinar was exclusively sponsored by the University of San Francisco Museum Studies MA Program.

Advancing Equity: The Broad’s Diversity Apprenticeship Program
Museum staff are urgently demanding action on work culture, community engagement, and more. This panel, focused on a successful workforce initiative, The Broad’s Diversity Apprenticeship Program, shares perspectives from apprentices and program and museum leadership – challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned which have paved the way for more inclusive practices.

Moderator: Zach Andrews, Program Coordinator, Diversity Apprenticeship Program, The Broad
Panelists: Stacy Lieberman, Deputy Director, The Broad; George Luna-Peña, Program Director, Diversity Apprenticeship Program, The Broad; Sakinah Scott, Fabricator, Cinnabar; Koni Zhang, Production Coordinator, LACMA

This event was exclusively sponsored by CalNonprofits Insurance Services. This was originally presented as a panel for the CAM 2022 mini-conference in Los Angeles and has been adapted for a webinar format.

These sessions were originally presented at the CAM 2020 conference in Los Angeles and were adapted for a live webinar format.

Stories of Transformation and Failure
This webinar featured the perspectives of three very different museums that each confronted an institutional crisis: one failed, one persevered, and one was transformed. Learn about the warning signs that could indicate your institution is in trouble, and hear about strategies for transformation and sustainability working with boards, staff, and the community.

Presenters:
Elena Brokaw, Executive Director, Museum of Ventura County
Susana Smith Bautista, PhD., Museum Adviser (formerly of the Pasadena Museum of California Art)
Jeanette Kihs, Executive Director, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Juan Govea, Director of Community Engagement, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History (Moderator)

Decolonizing Initiatives at the San Diego Museum of Man
Can a museum decolonize? The San Diego Museum of Man has begun integrating decolonizing initiatives throughout the organization to build systemic change. This conversation focuses on how decolonizing initiatives manifest in different areas of the museum.

Presenters from the San Diego Museum of Man:
Brandie Macdonald, Director of Decolonizing Initiatives
Kara Vetter, Director of Cultural Resources
Eva Trujillo, Cultural Resources Manager: NAGPRA

Swipe Up! Bringing Instagram Stories to Life
Show the fun side of your institution while driving traffic to your website. Learn tricks that any size staff can use to create Instagram Stories that are interesting, visually compelling, and purpose-driven. Topics to be covered include storyboarding, animated gifs, and storytelling in just a sentence or two. Leave with simple and no-cost resources for elevating your social media presence through Instagram Stories. Learn lessons that will increase Instagram Story views, clicks, and inspire ways to be more creative on the platform.

Presenter: Joyce Alcantara, Digital Engagement Coordinator, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Using a Standardized Tool to Understand the Visitor Experience
An evaluator and a program developer will present their use of The Dimensions of the Visitor Experience (DoVE) instrument (Packer et al., 2016) to compare various public programs. This tool was designed to help practitioners better understand the sensory, emotional, introspective and cognitive ways visitors experience programs and exhibits.

Presenters from the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
Jennifer Rigney, Manager of Social Science Research & Evaluation
Vicki Wawerchak, Director of Guest Experience Programs

How XR Experiences in Museums Can Support DEAI
Discover affordances, design considerations and examples of XR experiences (including AR and VR) in museums that promote equity and inclusion. As we move into a new phase of technology, museums can help increase equitable access to XR technology and create experiences that engage and support all learners. This webinar is part of CAM's Technology Fellowship program.

Presenter: Kathryn Quigley, Senior Digital Producer, Lawrence Hall of Science; CAM Technology Fellow 2020–2021

These sessions were originally presented at the CAM 2019 conference in San Francisco and were adapted for a live webinar format. Additionally, CAM Fellow presentations were done during this Lunch and Learn series. 

How Can I Relate to That? Empathy as a New Lens for Learning
There is a recent groundswell of interest in empathy; international leaders identify empathy as one of the most important leadership skills of the 21st century. Join this lunch and learn a webinar to hear how museums are purposefully designing education programs and exhibits to explore and teach empathy in an effort to promote civic engagement.

Speakers: Ami Davis, Principal, Ami Davis Consulting; Wendy Abelmann, Director of Education and Public Programs, Oceanside Museum of Art, Katherine Herman, Education Outreach Manager, Autry Museum of the American West

Cybersecurity for All
Whatever your technical comfort or responsibility, there are some easy things you can do to keep your museum safe from cyber threats. Join us for a Lunch and Learn program focused on practical tips for all skill levels and resources that can help keep your museum safe.

Change is Inevitable: The Essentials of Succession Planning
Succession planning keeps your organization moving forward during the inevitable changes that come with running a nonprofit. Not only do they help navigate leadership transitions, they can also serve as an excellent tool for retaining your strongest performers, who often tend to be the type of employees who need to know where their career is headed. CAM and presenter Anne W. Ackerson explores succession planning essentials and why it might be better to call it talent planning.

2019 CAM Fellows Part 1, External Affairs
Part 1 of our 2019 CAM Fellowship program webinar series includes case studies with an External Affairs discipline, focusing on equitable practices in public relations and creating cultural memory through preservation of historic sites, such as immigration stations.

2019 CAM Fellows Part 2, Public Programs
Part 2 of our 2019 CAM Fellowship program webinar series includes case studies with a Public Programs discipline, focusing on creating responsive spaces through exhibitions and incorporating native voice in museum education programs.

Decolonizing the Narrative of Native American Museum Interpretations
This webinar builds awareness and understanding for interpreting Native American history and cultures in museums. Examine the impacts of colonization on existing narratives and strategies for integrating native perspectives into civic discourse. Explore multimedia, curricular, and professional development resources, as well as collaborative partnerships for expanding your knowledge of Native American interpretations to foster diversity and cultural intelligence in your exhibitions, collections, and programming.

Speakers:
Nicole Lim, Executive Director, California Indian Museum & Cultural Center
Joely Proudfit, Executive Director, The California Culture and Sovereignty Center
Kouslaa Kessler-Mata, Professor, University of San Francisco
Alexis Bunten, Co-Director, Bioneers Indigeneity Program

"Off the Shelf" and Scrappy Technology Solutions
Led by CAM's 2019–2020 Technology Fellow David Canfield, this webinar will demonstrate how museums can utilize inexpensive, commercially available products in both traditional and non-traditional ways to address technology needs such as ambient audio, video displays, wayfinding, digital signage and more. Canfield will present options such as the Raspberry Pi platform, off the shelf video solutions, and how to repurpose “obsolete” tech. Additionally, he will also address some of the concerns, pitfalls, and experiences of building and deploying these solutions.

Presenter:
David Canfield, Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Pacific Battleship Center; 2019-20 CAM Technology Fellow

Creating Spaces that are Responsive to Hot Topics
What does it mean to be a responsive institution? Museums today are looking for new ways to stay relevant and connect with visitors. Current issues can be magnets for engagement. This webinar will explore exhibitions and programs about food justice, taking Native lands, foster care, and the Ghostship fire.

Presenters:
Christine Lashaw, Experience Developer, Oakland Museum of California
Evelyn Orantes, Independent Curator and Community Inclusion Strategist, Evelyn Orantes Consulting
Elizabeth Gessel, Director of Public Programs, Museum of the African Diaspora
Whitney Ford-Terry, Exhibitions Catalyst, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History