MAAM 2026 Annual Conference

Museums serve as vital hubs for civic action, reflecting their communities through exhibitions and programming. This session demonstrates how cultural sites use collections to inspire student programming. Participants will be introduced to the Exploring Civics Toolkit, an adaptable framework for museum practitioners that bridges historical narratives with civic themes to foster community engagement. Representatives from four diverse sites will share Toolkit-informed strategies and activities that empower students to explore their roles in their community. Attendees will learn practical methods to encourage students to advocate for positive change while gaining a deeper appreciation for the diversity inherent in the American experience.

Session Takeaways:
•Have a more complete understanding of possible civics driving questions and themes inherent in Museum collections and exhibitions
•Be able to access the Exploring Civics Toolkit for use at their own institution to cultivate civic mindset and action through collections and exhibitions
•Understand how they might implement similar programming at their own institution