EXTREME OPENNESS: STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

Many museum professionals and non-profit Boards in the United States are reimagining the role of their institutions within society. This article explores how Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stands out for its “extreme openness,” an ability to engage meaningfully with people from a variety of economic and educational backgrounds. From creating small, distinctive communities on its historic grounds, to offering inclusive events and low-barrier entry points, Strawbery Banke breaks down traditional boundaries between museums and the public. The article covers important topics related to Governance and Funding, a variety of programs that promote community engagement in the Museum, the role of events in fulfilling the Museum’s mission that is dedicated to preservation and education. Additionally, the author offers insights on how the Museum offers a range of options to decrease the barriers members of the public might feel when visiting the Museum. Throughout the article, the author offers insights on a current trend in museology within the United States – being as open and accessible as possible to a diverse public.