Western Illinois University’s Museum Studies Program Takes Center Stage at 2025 Midwest Museums Conference
Western Illinois University’s Museum Studies program is set to play a significant role at the upcoming Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) 2025 Conference. This event, which will be held virtually on July 23 and 24, will transition to an in-person format from July 30 through August 2 at the RiverCenter in Davenport. The conference’s theme, “Navigating Crosscurrents,” focuses on addressing the complex challenges and opportunities that museums face in today’s ever-evolving landscape.
The conference will feature a variety of presentations and discussions, with eight alumni from WIU’s Museum Studies program taking part as presenters. Their contributions highlight the program’s strong foundation in preparing students for impactful careers in the museum field. Additionally, the event will showcase the program’s collaborative efforts with regional cultural institutions, emphasizing its role in fostering meaningful partnerships across the Midwest.
Heidi Lung, director of the Museum Studies program at WIU, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies during the conference’s Flash Talks session on Friday morning. In a statement, Lung expressed her pride in seeing alumni take on leadership roles at the conference. She noted that the diverse range of topics presented by graduates reflects the breadth of expertise they bring to the field, covering areas such as collections management, community engagement, and operational challenges.
Several alumni will lead discussions on critical issues facing the museum world today. Charlotte Drennen-Wherry will facilitate a conversation station titled “Authoritarianism vs The Arts: A Historiography of Regime Attacks Against Arts & How Others Fixed It.” Amanda Crosby and Emily VanWaardhuizen will co-present on the challenges of visitor services during the COVID-19 pandemic and a construction period at the Putnam Museum. Kelly Lao will address the topic of advancing racial justice in museums, while Onnica Marquez will explore innovative museum travel programming through a case study based in Egypt.
Joshua Johnson and Vanessa Sage will discuss strategies for diversifying museum collections, and Clare Tobin will share insights on collaborative exhibitions in small museums. These presentations underscore the program’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Beyond highlighting alumni achievements, the conference also emphasizes the strong relationships between WIU’s Museum Studies program and local cultural institutions. Partners include the Figge Art Museum, Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archive, Quad City Botanical Center, Putnam Museum and Science Center, Deere-Wiman House, German American Heritage Center, and the Family Museum. These collaborations provide students with valuable real-world experiences and opportunities for professional growth.
WIU’s Museum Studies program, based in the Quad Cities, offers an interdisciplinary master’s degree that combines academic coursework with practical training. This approach prepares students for careers in museums, cultural institutions, and heritage organizations. The program’s focus on hands-on learning ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the museum profession.
The AMM conference serves as a vital platform for museum professionals from across the Midwest to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to the challenges and opportunities in their field. Attendees will have the chance to network, learn from experts, and gain insights into the future of museum practices.
For those interested in attending, the full schedule of events can be accessed online. Additionally, listeners can tune into The Current from 4 to 5 p.m. on weekdays to stay informed about local news and important stories impacting their communities.
