Listen Up!

I arrived at The Printing Museum on August 18, 2014. In the past year and few months, I have learned much about the people and internal workings of the museum. I have met many wonderful people who have spent many years supporting the museum. With our staff and Board, we have tackled some big challenges and have had some good conversations about the museum - its past, present and future.

But, it's time to step outside the museum in a concerted effort to hear from those we serve...or should be serving better.

I am excited to announce the launch of The TPM Listening Tour. Beginning January 21, we will gather together groups of 8-10 people, each month, including Museum Board members, staff, volunteers, supporters, Museum Members, and the general public, for informal conversations with me. There will also be opportunities for larger groups to take part in town hall-style meetings.

The Listening Tour conversations will take place in different locations around Houston, including restaurants, libraries, community centers, etc. – as well as the Museum. The conversations will be led by me. I'll give some brief introductory remarks and then, act as moderator for the discussion. A list of questions will be developed to guide the conversation, but the overall course of the dialogue will be driven by the participants. And I will listen.

The goals of The TPM Listening Tour are a) to gain a better understanding of the needs of our community, b) to determine what role a museum dedicated to printing can play in our digital age, and c) to begin to chart a course toward becoming more accessible and relevant to those we serve.

The results of the Listening Tour will inform our planning in areas such as exhibitions, and special events, workshops.

I look forward to sharing with you the outcomes of our meetings and posing some of the questions, here, on Extension 202.

Please note that the Small Group Meetings are by invitation only. This is not exclude anyone. We just want to be able to have a good cross section of interested people in a setting that is conducive to good conversation. If you are interested in participating in one of the Small Group Meetings, please call 713-522-4652 or email listeningtour@printingmuseum.org.

Click here to view the complete Listening Tour Calendar.