2011 ANNUAL REPORT - Chicago History Museum

2011 ANNUAL REPORT
president’s Message
When the Board of Trustees approved “The Critical
Path: Strategic Plan for the Chicago History
Museum” in 2009, your museum took on the
task of staying true to its vision in the midst of a
global economic crisis. Even in challenging times,
we believe that a disciplined institution can make
organic changes in ways that leave it stronger.
Certain key insights are moving us forward.
First, we put the Museum’s collection front and
center. We work to improve access to the collection
while at the same time providing an optimal
environment for preservation. Our new exhibition,
Unexpected Chicago, displays one artifact at a
time for only one month. This is dramatic proof of
the value of the investment that the community
has made in a collection that numbers 22 million
holdings. Realizing a return on that investment for
the sake of the community is top on my list of goals
as President.
Second, we embrace audience research as a critical
planning tool. Our research includes collecting
demographic information, conducting focus
groups, and establishing visitor panels, all to help
us make decisions regarding educational content
and experiences. Foremost in our minds are our
three core audiences—families, schoolchildren, and
members.
Finally, we focus on our relationships with those
who share our vision. We are committed to
envisioning a new model of membership that
will help people make meaningful and personal
connections to history and to the Museum in this
new era of social media. We also invest in our staff
to strengthen their relationship to the Museum
and to each other and to make sure that the people
charged with implementing our plans have the
resources they need to succeed.
We thank you for your commitment to the cause of
history in Chicago.
Gary T. Johnson
President
main menu
6