WestMuse Blog

Here on the WestMuse Blog, you’ll find a variety of articles and resources to help guide you through this difficult time as we all stay home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Check in every #WestMuseWednesday and Fridays for our latest blog posts discussing current topics from learning how to work from home to sharing social media best practices.

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July 3, 2014
By Nancy Cutler
Mutual Engagement: Museums and Communities was the theme for the 32nd Annual Conference of the Museum Association of Arizona (MAA), held May 1st and 2nd, 2014 in the fun mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” Centered at the Northern Arizona University’s duBois Conference Center and hosted by Museum of Northern Arizona and the Arizona Historical Society,...
July 1, 2014
By Christopher James Alexander
When my Getty colleagues and I embarked on the development of an architecture exhibition about the rapid evolution of one of the world’s most dynamic and influential cities, we had to embrace one harsh reality. People love to hate Los Angeles. Despite the fact that this region has inspired the creation of some of the most iconic structures of the twentieth century,...
June 27, 2014
Las Vegas, the Atomic City, was at the center of the nuclear era. At the National Atomic Testing Museum resides one of the most comprehensive collections of nuclear history.
One step into the Atmospheric & Pacific Testing gallery will transport you into another era.

The Atmospheric & Pacific Testing Gallery
The Museum tackles all aspects of atomic testing in the United States from...
June 25, 2014
By Susan Spero
Last week (June 16, 2014) the White House held its first ever Maker Faire, an effort that at least for me, signals a coming of age of the Maker/Tinkering movement within the United States. From the earliest beginnings of Maker Faires, museums have partnered to create, design, and engage audiences with these events. The Exploratorium played a strong role during the Maker Faire...
June 23, 2014
A mid-Century modern architectural artifact greets visitors as they enter the Neon Museum: The La Concha Motel Lobby. Originally constructed in 1961 on Las Vegas Boulevard South (next to the Riviera Hotel), the La Concha lobby was saved from demolition in 2005 and moved in 2006 to its current location to serve as the museum’s Visitors’ Center.

The La Concha Visitor Center

The entrance to the...
June 19, 2014
One step into the Springs Preserve transports you into another world within Las Vegas—one before the time of the Hoover Dam, casinos, and neon lights.
 A unique 180-acre cultural complex, the Springs Preserve features museums (including the Nevada State Museum), galleries, colorful botanical gardens, as well as an interpretive trail system that meanders through one of the richest and most unique...
June 12, 2014
A chance to recognize unsung heroes of our profession…
not necessarily just for directors
Every year museum professionals are able to accomplish both personal and institutional goals. Likewise, it is important to for peers to recognize and support those achievements in the goal of furthering the museum profession.

2013 Director’s Chair recipient Dr. Sarah George, Executive Director of the...
June 11, 2014
Did you or a colleague create an innovative exhibit about the American West in 2013 or 2014? The Western Museums Association (WMA) is pleased to consider applications for the 2014 Charles Redd Annual Award honoring excellence for an exhibition that furthers the study and understanding of the American West. The Award is funded by the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young...

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