MAAM 2026 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

3:00pm EDT

What Comes Next? The History and Legacy of Race, the Role of Museums, and the Work Ahead

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

Launched in 2020, the Smithsonian’s Reckoning with Our Racial Past initiative (RWORP) brings together collections, research, and convening power to deepen public understanding of the history and legacy of race in the United States and across the globe. As museums continue to evolve in how they engage communities, this initiative seeks to support thoughtful, informed, and inclusive approaches to sharing that history, culture, and reflective practice.

This regional conversation invites colleagues to reflect on how museums are advancing work that helps audiences connect with the past, make meaning of complex histories, and consider pathways toward thoughtful injury that helps to build our shared future. During this session we hope to learn what practices are resonating, where additional support could be valuable, and how the Smithsonian can best contribute to the field’s ongoing efforts. Insights gathered will inform the initiatives’ future resources, convenings, and evaluation strategies.

Reflect on emerging themes across the field, including opportunities for deeper engagement, collaboration, and partnership
Hear and share examples of how museums are continuing work that helps audiences understand historical legacies and connect them to the present
Contribute ideas that will guide the RWORP initiative’s next steps, including potential workshops, convenings, and educational resources

Moderators

Patty Arteaga

Public Programs Manager, Smithsonian Institution-Reckoning with Our Racial Past

Patty Arteaga is the Public Programs Manager for the Smithsonian’s Reckoning with Our Racial Past initiative, where she collaborates with external museums to explore the legacies of race and racism. She leads the National Conversations on Race series, using museum objects and programs... Read More →

Speakers

Maureen O'Connor

Education Specialist, Smithsonian Institution-Reckoning with Our Racial Past

Maureen O’Connor is the Education Specialist in the Reckoning with Our Racial Past Initiative. For over a decade, she has designed and facilitated interdisciplinary programs for K12 students, educators, and museum professionals at various state and national museums. In addition... Read More →

Dr. Pei Koay

Social Science Analyst, Smithsonian Institution-Reckoning with Our Racial Past

Dr. Pei Koay is an interdisciplinary leader & management specialist with over 15 years of specialized experience in aligning vision, theory, & practice to create trans-disciplinary spaces of learning, collaboration, dialogue, and engagement. She currently serves as the Reckoning with... Read More →

Sponsors

Quatrefoil Associates

Partner/CEO, Quatrefoil Associates Inc.

Creating immersive informal learning engagement opportunities for museums and visitor centers throughout the US. From master planning through design, media production and project management. Your one stop collaborator for bringing your vision to life.

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA 100 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Type 3, Leadership & Operations