Prince George's County Planning Department’s Post

Now available for pre-order: "Interpreting Christmas at Museums and Historic Sites," edited by Max van Balgooy and Ken Turnio, and published by Rowman & Littlefield for AASLH. I wrote a chapter for the book, "Not Everyone Celebrates Christmas: Expanding Your Holiday Horizons," which discusses not only Hanukkah, but other faith traditions as well as Christian faith traditions that do not celebrate Christmas as it has come to be observed in the U.S. and Canada. From the back of the book: "Interpreting Christmas at Museums and Historic Sites offers a wide range of perspectives on Christmas and practical guidance for planning, research, interpretation, and programming by board members, staff, and volunteers involved in the management, research, and interpretation at house museums, historic sites, history museums, and historical societies across the United States. Packed with fresh ideas and approaches by nearly two dozen scholars and leaders in this specialized topic, as well as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, they can easily be adapted for the unique needs of organizations of various budgets and capacities. An extensive bibliography of books and articles published in the last twenty years provides additional resources for research and exploration." https://lnkd.in/e7wHsDQY

More of this! Thought-provoking, engaging, community centered, and a key dialogue that needs to happen across the U.S. " Addressing contemporary housing challenges faced by Santa Monica and the region, the exhibition further explores affordable housing, support systems for those experiencing homelessness, equity and inclusion, and the importance of historic preservation in maintaining the city’s cultural identity." https://lnkd.in/eQ4b-mPq

Today we've released our next County Spotlight report, which focuses on library and culture services. The report finds that councils have had little option but to pare back expenditure on libraries, culture, heritage and tourism over the last fourteen years, with costs and demand for care services rising inexorably in that timeframe. But today's report highlights how local government remains the largest funder of arts in England, and across 16 case studies from CCN members it shines a light on how councils have been able to preserve, enhance and transform highly-valued library and cultural services. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/eATmEBX9

Local cultural institutions — museums, theaters, libraries, and galleries — are the pillars of heritage and history within our communities. These spaces not only house artistic and historical treasures but also foster a sense of identity and continuity. The key to their enduring legacy? Regular maintenance. Here’s why keeping these cultural beacons well-maintained is crucial: Preservation: Regular upkeep ensures that artworks, artifacts, and historical documents are preserved for future generations to explore and understand. Public Engagement: A well-maintained space is inviting, encouraging more visitors to engage with and support local culture. Safety: Regular checks and maintenance ensure these institutions remain safe havens for community gatherings and learning. While we can't take credit for the upkeep of iconic pieces like The Hartwell Memorial Window, we dream of one day applying our expertise to such magnificent testaments of cultural beauty. Until then, City Wide Jani is proud to contribute to the preservation of cultural keystones through dedicated maintenance, helping ensure that the stories, art, and history they hold remain vibrant and accessible to all. Let's cherish and uphold the legacy of our local cultural institutions together. Their preservation is our collective responsibility. #CulturalPreservation #MaintenanceMatters #CityWideJani

Another fascinating interview from Sam. Sam's writing is so beautiful and always about such interesting things. Follow here, sign up to his newsletter or follow on Substack.

In the face of escalating extreme weather events due to climate change, the role of galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM institutions) is more vital than ever. These cultural institutions are not just places of enrichment; they serve as essential resources and safe havens for communities in times of crisis. As we navigate through these challenging times, let's recognize and support the invaluable services that GLAM institutions provide to help us weather the storm together. https://hubs.ly/Q02C_PyY0 #GLAMinstitutions #CommunityResilience #ClimateChangeAwareness 🌍🌪️📚

Story of the broken jar There are few exceptional features of this story which tells about a 4 year old child who broke a priceless ancient jar. 1) The way parents handled it: They actually reported that to security! Secondly, it doesn't look as if they added to the trauma of the child by punishing him. 2) The way museum handled it. There was no " banned for entering again". The family along with the child were welcomed back. They learnt about restoration. 3) No hue and cry in their media blaming the museum authorities. No statements by politicians about damage to " national treasure ". 4) Museum will still continue the policy of open display. Mature communities lead to mature institutions which inturn lead to developed nations. Scientific curiosity needs nurturing environment, not necessarily a new educational policy. https://lnkd.in/gbVyUbnR

Which one of these can raise the value of a house by 20-50% within five years if built nearby? 1. Train station 🚉 2. School 🏫 3. Museum 📹 Take a guess, pick one & let’s discuss it! No cheating, just pick one based on the question…. #RealEstate #PropertyValue #TrainStation #HomeValue #CommuteConvenience #PublicTransport #HouseMarket #UrbanLiving #PropertyInvestment #NeighborhoodBoost #williamajacobs #williamajacobsrealtor

Is it so radical to consider the arts as a vital part of our national infrastructure? Historical precedents exist… https://lnkd.in/erpGMVCH

Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. ATTN NASHVILLIANS WHO WANT TO ACTIVELY SHAPE OUR FUTURE… are you also controlling the past?? Are you controlling your present?? If you haven’t already signed up, this is an incredibly powerful way to take this moment in time to directly impact the way we move in the future… to combat the censorship and revisionist history some other (ahem) groups are pushing. Historians know that it’s not just about interrogating the voices we do hear, but also interrogating the cause of absent voices. And asking “If the voice were present, what would it say? How would it impact the story that’s being told?” Too much of history education is already reduced to excerpts and quotes taken out of context, and truly voices are at real risk of erasure. Come hear their stories before they’re lost to history so that we can impact a more thoughtful, inclusive future. Also Tamyra Gordon MSEd is just really fantastic and you should support her work. 💥