12th Annual Museum Day Was Held February 24th! The twelfth annual Illinois Museum Day was held February 24, 2010. See the Governor's Proclamation of Museum Day (pdf) Museum Advocacy Day Returns by Dave Becker, President Illinois Association of Museums In an effort to help museums communicate more effectively with legislators, the Illinois Association of Museums partnered with Museums in the Park again this year. We invited museum staff and volunteers to participate in an advocacy workshop, held at the Illinois State Museum on Wednesday, February 24, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Larry Suffredin, Cook County Commissioner, lawyer and lobbyist, conducted a workshop for participants focusing on how to more effectively work with and communicate with lawmakers. In addition, Karen Witter, former Past President of the Association of Midwest Museums and Associate Director of the Illinois State Museum and Kate Schureman, Treasurer of the Illinois Association of Museums and Vice President of Administration at the Lakeview Museum, discussed the AAM, IAM, and AMM and advocacy. Guest speaker Ra Joy, Executive Director, Illinois Arts Alliance talked about the Cultural Data Proejct. The late morning workshop also included a discussion of legislative issues specific to the Illinois museum community. Following the workshop, participants were encouraged to meet with their legislators in the afternoon. For best results, it was strongly suggested that attendees contact their legislators prior to Museum Day to arrange a meeting. To conclude the day, the Illinois State Museum, Museums In The Park and the Illinois Association of Museums hosted a post Museum Day reception at the Executive Mansion to reflect on lessons of the day and share information. Registration for the workshop was $30 per participant. The reception registration was $35 per person. Registration for both events was $50 per person. Download the Agenda for the event. Download a sample legislative contact letter format. Download the Come Join Us letter.