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I am honored and humbled to assume the OMA presidency. I know the high standard of commitment and leadership my predecessors have set, and I pledge to continue their tradition of serving not only OMA but the entire Oklahoma museum community.

I have been entrusted with this responsibility despite not working in a museum. I study museums, educate students for careers in museums, serve on museum boards, and have consulted for museums. But unlike most OMA members, I have never been a true museum

employee. Hopefully, this “outsider’s” perspective will inform my presidency to the benefit of OMA.

One thing about of which you may be certain—I know the myriad ways in which museums contribute to our communities and state. Being able to measure their economic impact, of course, is an invaluable tool in galvanizing support for the many museums in our state. With the help of Oklahomans for the Arts and other partners, OMA is currently working to determine just what that impact is. For me, however, the most important contributions museums make are non-monetary—and more significant. Museums reveal who we are as individuals, as a community, and as citizens of the nation and world. They help us to understand what we have done, how we have come to where we are, and where we might go in the future. They explore the world in which we live and make it more understandable. Through museums, we see humankind and its potential at its best and, sadly at times, its worse.

So, if anyone asks you why museums are worth supporting, try to covey this very fundamental and multifaceted role they play in our society. Then, ask if they would be interested in joining OMA and being a part of this wonderful enterprise in which museums are engaged.

MuseNEWS

Volume 45, No. 1 • Winter 2015

Available to OMA members Jan. 1; posted online for public Feb. 1

INSIDE:3Bylaws checklist

7Advocacy advocate

9Museline | OMA calendar

14Sponsorship opportunities

OMA programs and services are made possible with assistance from the Oklahoma Arts Coun-cil, Kirkpatrick Family Fund and Oklahoma City Zoological Park & Botanical Garden.

A S S O C I A T I O NMUSEUMSO K L A H O M A

MO A

D O N A T E

Message from new OMA President

News museums can use

Dr. Bill Bryans

AmazonSmileWe are asking you to support OMA when you shop at Amazon. The program is part of Amazon and called AmazonSmile.• Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible

AmazonSmile purchases to Oklahoma Museums Association whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.

• AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

• Support OMA by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

You also can support OMA when you shop on eBay and Gaylord. Find out more at www.okmuseums.org/services/affinity-programs/.

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director's desk Happy 2015!

My how time flies when you are doing something you love to do. I say that because January 1, 2015 is my 10 year anniversary at OMA! I truly enjoy working everyday with such great people and great museums. As best said by Steve Jobs, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Cheers to another decade of great work.

Wishing you a great and prosperous 2015!

OMA Board of Directors

Dr. Bill Bryans • President Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

Susan Baley • Vice President Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman

Jennifer Holt • Treasurer Will Rogers Memorial Museums, Claremore

Dan Provo • Secretary Oklahoma History Center, OKC

Stephanie Allen • District 4 Rep. Sam Noble Museum, Norman

Julie Baird • At-Large Rep. Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Enid

Regina Berna • District 2 Rep. Chickasaw Nation Museums and Historic Sites, Tishomingo

Ken Busby • At-Large Rep. Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, Tulsa

Richard Ellwanger • At-Large Rep. Seminole Nation Museum, Wewoka

Jim L. Goss • At-Large Rep. Frank Phillips Home, Bartlesville

Stacey Halfmoon • At-Large Rep. American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, OKC

Jason Harris • At-Large Rep. Oklahoma History Center, OKC

John Hernandez • At-Large Rep. Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton

David Keathly • District 3 Rep. Marland Estate, Ponca City

Kristin Mravinec • At-Large Rep. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Woodward

Gena Timberman, Esq • Immediate Past President The Luksi Group, OKC

Delaynna Trim • At-Large Rep. Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee

Dr. Ray Vandiver • District 1 Rep. Tulsa Children’s Museum, Tulsa

Heidi Vaughn • At-Large Rep. University of Central Oklahoma Labora-tory of History Museum, Edmond

Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi • MPMA Rep. Comanche National Museum & Cultural Center, Lawton

Karen Whitecotton • District 5 Rep. Green Collection/Museum of the Bible, OKC

OMA Staff

Brenda Granger • Executive Director

Stacy O’Daniel • Administrative & Program Associate

Darlene Hale • Contract Bookkeeper

Elizabeth Dahl • Intern

BrendaBrenda GrangerExecutive Director

OMA welcomes Stephanie Allen to Board of Directors as District 4 Representative

Stephanie Allen is the Collection Manager for Ethnology at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman. She is responsible for the daily management of the collections of Ethnology, Classical Archaeology, and Native American Fine Art.

Stephanie received her BA in Anthropology and Art History from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and her MA in Museum Studies with a focus on Collections Management from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Before coming to OK, she worked at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and assorted other institutions. She is very excited to join the OMA Board!

Stephanie Allen

Thanks to OMA outgoing board members Deborah Burke and Michael Bell. Also, we appreciate Gena Timberman serving as our President the last two years.

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The very mention of bylaws in a board meeting is usually met with dread. It typically means either that a conflict has risen to the point where the bylaws must be consulted, or it means that someone is pointing out an area of noncompliance that has gone unnoticed for years. This Checklist points out the necessary elements in bylaws.

Because regulations about nonprofit bylaws are done individually by state (rather than the federal government) there is quite a bit of variation. For example, in Ohio and New York, nonprofit boards must have a minimum of three members, but in California the minimum is one. It’s important to obtain the applicable state laws and make sure that the bylaws are in compliance. In addition, some cities have further regulations for nonprofits. Ask your city attorney’s office for guidance. For example, some states and cities have different rules for nonprofit organizations for which the board automatically includes an elected official or government employee as a result of that individual’s election or employment.

Three overall guiding principles for nonprofit bylaws:1. Don’t put too much in the

bylaws. If you specify a board committee in the bylaws, for instance, and there hasn’t been such a committee in a few years, someone could claim that you are in violation of your own bylaws. Or, along the same lines, if the bylaws state that meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, you can’t change to Thursdays without a change in the bylaws.

best practices for boards

by Jan Masaoka

2. Remember that if trouble erupts -- such as internal conflict or attacks from others -- the bylaws will become very important. So make sure they are reviewed approximately every three years. Because board officer terms make it hard for the board to keep track of bylaw revisions, have this duty included as a responsibility of the executive director.

3. Immediately attach (by staple if necessary) any changes made to the bylaws to the copy kept by the executive director. Too often everyone forgets about changes to the bylaws.

Here is a checklist to ensure the most important provisions are included in your bylaws: 1. Indemnification. A

statement that limits the personal liability of board members.

2. Whether the organization has members (such as members of a neighborhood or professional association) and, if so, what their rights are. For example, in a true membership organization, members have the right to elect officers. Even if you don’t have members with legally enforceable membership rights such as voting rights, you can still have people called “members,” but the distinction should be clarified in the bylaws.

3. Minimum and maximum number of board members. Example: minimum of five and a maximum of fifteen board members. Some states

Bylaws Checklist

This article is reprinted with permission from Blue Avocado, a practical and readable online magazine for nonprofits. Subscribe free by contacting the Blue Avocado editor or visiting www.blueavocado.org.

specify a minimum, and some specify a formula for a minimum and maximum, so check your state’s law.

4. The number required for a quorum. A quorum is the minimum number of board members who must be present for official decisions to be made. For example, if an organization currently has fifteen members, and the bylaws state that one-third of the members constitute a quorum, then official decisions can only be made at board meetings where five or more members are present. Note: Many states specify the minimum required for a quorum; for example, in California a quorum may be as low as one-fifth of the board.

5. Terms and term limits. Example: two years, with term limits of three consecutive terms (making a total of six years); after a year off, a board member may be permitted to return. Similarly, terms can be staggered so that, for instance, one-third of the board is up for reelection each year.

6. Titles of officers, how the officers are appointed, and their terms. Example: appointed by majority vote at a regular meeting of the board; an officer term is for one year with a maximum of two consecutive officer terms.

7. Procedure for removing a board member or officer. Example: by majority vote at a regularly scheduled meeting where the item was placed on the written agenda distributed

continued on page 11

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Tips & techniques for effective visitor servicesConnie Pirtle, Strategic Nonprofit Resources

Visitor Services volunteers are often the first, and sometimes the only, museum represent-atives the public has

a chance to meet. The impression you make on a visitor can impact their entire experience.

One Chance to Make a Good First Impression• As soon as a visitor enters the

museum, make eye contact and welcome them with a smile and a friendly greeting such as “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening”. As visitors exit be sure to say “thank you” or “goodbye.” Visitors should be made to feel welcome, and welcome to return.

• Do not “bury your head in your work” while you read or write. Stay alert. Look up frequently and be aware of what is going on in the lobby at all times. Avoid becoming so engrossed in conversation with your colleagues that you fail to notice visitors who may need assistance.

• When a visitor approaches, stop what you are doing and make assisting them your first priority. This sends a clear signal to the visitor that they are valued and important.

• You will be greeting and processing possibly hundreds of visitors each day. Strive to make your interaction with each person “fresh” - as if they were the first person you had ever directed to the restroom!

volunteer voice

Courtesy is the Key• Rely on the tried and true

“please” and “thank you.” Work these into conversation whenever possible.

• If you are going to be tied up for a moment while you change the register tape, etc., inform the visitors who are waiting that you will “be with them in a moment.” It is important to acknowledge them politely and to let them know that you are aware they are waiting.

• Do not automatically assume that someone is eligible for the senior rate. Simply state all of the admission fees and let them choose which one is appropriate. There is no need to ask for proof of age; just take their word for it.

• Always give priority to a visitor standing in front of you over a caller on the telephone. Put the caller on hold if necessary.

• Never argue with a visitor, show impatience or anger. Listen to a visitor’s complaints with sympathetic concern (“I understand your disappointment.”). Inform them that you will share their remarks with the museum staff or if they would prefer to use their own words ask them to complete a comment card. Contact a manager if they wish to express their complaint to someone else in person.

• Never talk down to a visitor. Avoid comments such as “Try the tour - it will help you understand the art.” or “If you hadn’t noticed, there is a huge red sign right there that says restrooms.”

Connie Pirtle

Assistance is Always Appreciated• If they are a first time visitor,

offer a brief orientation to the building. Depending on your museum type, you might suggest that they start at a certain point or a particular area. If an exhibition has a certain starting point make sure they know where the entrance is located.

• If they haven’t visited before, invite them to become a museum member. If they are from out of town or have several guests, make them aware of how membership can be a better value over regular admission.

• Suggest that they join a public tour if you have one, and let them know when the next one will begin. Mention the free public tour to everyone who comes to the admissions desk within fifteen minutes prior to the start of the next tour. Everyone appreciates the offer to enjoy something free of charge and education is an essential part of you museum’s mission.

• Mention to everyone who has a coat, backpack, umbrella, packages, etc. that you offer free coat check services (if you do). Politely inform them if they are carrying something that isn’t allowed in the galleries.

• If a visitor is browsing through the brochures at the desk, ask if you can help them find something. Use this as an opportunity to start a conversation about the museum. For example, if someone asks for a list of your upcoming exhibits be sure to tell them what the

continued on page 11

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by Tony Vann, President Vann & Associates | PR & Marketing

Yep, I said it. Contro-versial as school consoli-dation, someone has to come out and tell the truth. The

standard printed newsletter is dead. Sure, some museums and organizations continue to push forward expending valuable time, costs for printing and postage and the toil of ensuring each issue includes something of vast importance that can stay worthy of passing time while sitting on the counter of someone’s kitchen.

Now don’t get me wrong, sending information to a variety of audiences is extremely important. Moreover, segmenting each of those audiences by different type of relationships, demographics or geographic location is also critical. However, stop holding on to 1980 and move into the present by sending information via e-newsletters. You ask what are the advantages? Too many to name, but I will try to highlight some of the most important.

CostWith tight budgets, this is the first thing a fiscally responsible organization should review. The cost of printing, mailing and/or delivering newsletters can be expensive. Trade hundreds of dollars for an average of $25 to $50 per issue. Furthermore, the time spent is much less and provides a great impact for your reader.

MeasurementHow do you know if someone is reading your newsletter? Face it, you don’t. With e-newsletters you can track how many people open

communicator’s cornerThe Death of Printed Newsletters

Tony Vann

your e-newsletter, which stories they read and if they visited your website. Think about it, the next meeting you attend you will have real numbers, not just guesses or industry percentages.

FrequencyWant to send out your news more than twice a year? Then do it! With an e-newsletter, you can send out information to your audiences quarterly, monthly, weekly or daily - the cost is the same. One warning, don’t overuse this power. Getting a message from your organization on a daily basis might turn someone off.

TurnaroundOn average, organizations utilize 40 or more hours of employee or vendor time to create one newsletter. No more with an e-newsletter. Write the content, match photos, click in the links and bam, you can have an e-newsletter ready to go in a day. Make sure you proof it well-give yourself an extra day for fresh eyes...just in case.

Don’t forget some easy design tips. Use your e-newsletter as

a way to engage your readers. Don’t send them an e-mail which takes nine scrolls of the mouse to finally get to the bottom. This is a way to send them select information which will catch their interest and direct them to your website. Once they are on your website, the information should be captivating enough for them not only to read the entirety of that article, but also browse outside of the newsletter area and learn more about your mission, your collections and possibly even donate or volunteer.

Tony Vann is the President of Vann & Associates | PR + Marketing. A veteran public relations practitioner of more than 19 years, he has been involved in such well-known organizations as the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation, Oklahoma State University, the Office of Lt. Governor Fallin and others. Vann began the award-winning firm in December of 2010 which grew from two clients to more than 40 over the past four years.

Get ready for

Friday, June 26, 2015 • 6:00pm - 10:00pmNational Cowboy Western Heritage Museum

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We are so excited to have a won-derful intern in the of-fice this spring semes-ter!My name

is Elizabeth Dahl. I am currently enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma and am pursuing my Bachelor’s in Museum Studies and will graduate Summer 2015. My plan after graduation is to continue my education at UCO and receive my Master’s in History. I have always enjoyed visiting and learning about museums and I am very excited to one day combine my education and love for museums into a future career.

OMA spring intern

Elizabeth Dahl

Oklahoma Museums Association summer internship application availableThe OMA internship program offers:• Practical hands-on experience

in planning, fundraising and programming;

• Scholarships to OMA training programs during internship:

• Governance experience;• Use of available resources

and references;• Assisting with general office

operations.OMA responsibilities include training/education, intern feedback and final evaluation. University supervisor responsibilities include in consultation with OMA and intern- establish the internship assignment, maintain contact with the intern/OMA and assigning an academic grade for the internship after reviewing the final evaluation provided by OMA. OMA will accept a maximum of one intern per semester. Internships are on a volunteer basis (non-paid).

Smithsonian FellowshipsSmithsonian Institution offers a broad range of fellowship opportunities. The Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships (OFI) is the way to find out about the various fellowships available, including application deadlines. Visit them at www.smithsonianofi.com/fellowship-opportunities/.

�e UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMACollege of Liberal Studies

100% Online, On Your ScheduleMaster of Arts in Museum Studies

Earn your Master of Arts in Museum Studies from a university with a tradition of excellence – the University of Oklahoma.

Apply today at ou.edu/cls

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

Please submit your internship application by the following deadlines: April 1 for Summer Semester June 15 for Fall Semester November 15 for Spring Semester To discuss being an OMA intern or receive an internship application, please contact Brenda Granger, Executive Director at 405.424.7757 or bgranger@okmuseums.org.

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advocacy advocatePlan to attend Museums Advocacy Day in Washington DC, Feb. 23-24The Oklahoma Museums Association is a proud supporter of the Museums Advocacy Day 2015. Oklahoma Museums are encouraged to participate in Museums Advocacy Day 2015 and help make the case that museums are essential—as education providers and economic drivers—in every community.

Register today at www.aam-us.org/advocacy/museums-advocacy-day/register. Once you register, let the OMA office know you will be attending. OMA staff and board members also will be attending.

What is Museums Advocacy Day? • Stand side-by-side with

fellow advocates from OMA, Oklahoma and our five congressional districts

• Get valuable information from Capitol Hill and policy experts about how to engage your representatives and make the case for museums

• Share a powerful message with your members of Congress and their staff about how your museum is essential

• Learn strategies for meeting with elected officials and the stats you need to make your case

Staff, volunteers, trustees, students, museum enthusiasts and providers of museum products and services are all welcome to participate.

Since it began in 2009, Museums Advocacy Day has also led to many unexpected success stories such as museums that have secured federal grants, testified at local Congressional hearings, hosted legislative events or been nominated for national awards. “In February 2015, we’ll have dozens of new members of

Congress and we need to make a unified case about the value of museums, including the importance of the charitable deduction and the impact of federal funding,” said Alliance President Ford W. Bell. “Earlier this summer, we saw Congressional committees vote to slash funding for NEA and NEH; cuts that were reversed after advocates like you sent nearly 1,000 letters to Congress. We know the power of our voice—if we use it. I encourage all museum supporters to join us in Washington, D.C. in February to make the case for museums.” The American Alliance of Museums offers several resources for building your advocacy skills, learning about Congress, making your case and getting involved in advocacy for your museum. The information can be found at www.aam-us.org/advocacy/museums-advocacy-day.

Download the latest OMA Advocacy Piece here.

Please visit www.aam-us.org/advocacy to learn more about advocacy for museums.

Book ReviewMuseum Law: A Guide for Officers, Directors and CounselFourth Edition by Marilyn E. PhelanApril 2014 – 500 pages Review by Joanna Butterworth, University of Central Oklahoma, Museum Studies Graduate Student and OMA Intern. Museum Law can be ordered online or checked out from the Oklahoma Museums Association Lending Library.

Just released this year, Marilyn E. Phelan has produced the fourth edition of Museum Law: A Guide for Officers, Directors and Counsel. In this newest publication, she explained that, for the general museum official, Part I is the most beneficial because it examines museum itself as a legal entity, which covers topics from employment to maintenance of nonprofit status. Have you wondered about authentication rulings on art forgeries? Phelan has covered both the museum and the artist’s rights. Have you needed a template for a licensing agreement? She has included a small selection in the appendix. Phelan has written a comprehensive explanation of legal statutes that cover a range of topics from the use of volunteers to international repatriation.

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Building and sustaining

Oklahoma’s arts industry

10,000 jobs strong

An agency of state government • arts.ok.gov

• Do you have artifacts in your museum collection that are outside of your museum’s mis sion?

• Do you have eagle feath ers in your museum collection? • Are you unfamiliar with a Deed of Gift or when to use it?

If you answered yes to any of these questions or have other questions, then the Museum Accessioning and Registration of Collections (MARC) Course, de veloped by the Oklahoma Muse ums Association, is for you!

This course will teach a solid foundation of basic museum col lections knowledge. MARC is a great course for staff and vol unteers that work with museum collections, artifact donations, ex hibit loans, and much more.

The two-day MARC Course will be held March 5-6 at Oklahoma History Center from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day. Lunch is on your own.

Day one of MARC will cover mission statements, conflicts of interest, ethics, collections management policies, collecting plans, working with a collections committee, legal issues relating to museum collections and deac cessioning. Day two will focus on the process of artifact donations including proper documentation, the physical application of a num ber, cataloging artifact informa tion, loans and insurance.

Registration is $150 and includes handouts and instruction. Institutions sending multiple participants receive a discounted registration as follows: $225 for two people, $300 for three people and $375 for four people. The registration deadline is February 23. Space is limited to twelve participants. Register online here.

Marking kits used in the course are available from Gaylord Archival Supplies at Gaylord.com or by calling 1.800.448.6160 and ordering with priority code OMAKIT. One scholarship will be offered to an OMA member. (Scholarship re-cipient must commit to attending both days.) The deadline to apply for a scholarship is February 17. Apply for scholarship here.

The MARC Course is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Registrars Association profes sional interest network, Okla homa Arts Council, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, and Oklahoma History Center. OMA reserves the right to cancel this course if a minimum number of participants is not met.

Museum Accessioning and Registration of Collections (MARC) Course is March 5-6 in Oklahoma City

AASLH Leadership in History Awards ProgramThe American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Awards Program was established to encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history. Institutions of all sizes are encouraged to apply and self-nominate. Nominees need not be members of AASLH to qualify. Nominations are due by March 1 and must be submitted online. For more information, visit http://about.aaslh.org/awards/.

Submit your great ideas for the 2015 OMA conferenceWe hope you plan to attend the 2015 OMA Annual Conference, September 23-25, 2015 at the Woodward Conference Center. The theme of the conference is Create, Contemplate and Collaborate.

Conference hosts are the Woodward Conference Center, Woodward Convention & Visitors Bureau, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Plains Indians & Pioneer Museum and the Woodward Arts & Theatre Council. Have a great idea for a session at the conference? Submit your session proposal idea here by January 30! Need additional speakers to round out your great idea? Contact the OMA office for help; we want to hear from you!

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Grant deadlines, training and other newsField wide professional development calendar The American Alliance of Museums now has a calendar listing professional development opportunities, for those in the museum field, hosted by either the American Alliance of Museums or museum service organizations, professional training programs, colleges/universities, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations working for the success of museums. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org/events/calendar

National Collections Care Survey openHeritage Preservation launched Heritage Health Information 2014: A National Collections Care Survey (HHI 2014), and your collecting institution may be asked to participate. The HHI 2014 is a national survey on the condition of collections held by archives, libraries, historical societies, museums, scientific research collections, and archaeological repositories. Read more

Charitable organizations must annually file with Oklahoma Secretary of StateAs a reminder, all charitable organizations (which include most museums) are required to submit their registration with the Oklahoma Secretary of State annually. The Charitable Organizations section represents a subsection of the Secretary of State Business Filing Department. For more information, visit https://www.sos.ok.gov/charity/Default.aspx

Update your 2015 Guidestar informationMany funders rely on Guidestar.org for accurate information about your organization. Now is the time to update your information for 2015. With your

help, Guidestar is committed to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to the more than 5 million users who visit the Guidestar web site each year. Organizations also are reminded to update their own website with current annual reports, audits, board member lists and more. For more information, visit www.guidestar.org Rhythm and Routes: Oklahoma’s Music Trail The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department recently launched Rhythm and Routes: Oklahoma’s Music Trail. The trail is full of Oklahoma’s rich musical heritage. Whether on the actual trail or just visiting the website, you can discover the famous musicians, venues and places that make the Sooner State a hot spot for music of all genres. Museums are encouraged to use this information for programing and tours. Read more The Big Read grant applications due January 28 The National Endowment for the Arts is accepting applications from non-profits, including museums, for the 2015-2016 Big Read. The Big Read is a national program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage reading for pleasure and enrichment. Organizations selected to participate will receive a grant, access to educational and promotional materials, and online training resources and opportunities. Application deadline is January 28, 2015. For more information visit www.NEABigRead.org

OMA Calendar of EventsRefer to www.okmuseums.org for up to date information January 30 Session Proposals Due

February 5 Personal Branding brown bag lunch program

February 13Art Fraud Workshop: Solving the Mystery of Photons and Forgery

February 23-24 Museums Advocacy Day in Washington, DC

March 5Incorporating Folklore into Museum Education workshop

March 5-6 MARC Museum Accessioning and Registration Course

March 9 OMA District 4 Program at Sam Noble Museum April 12-18National Volunteer Week

April 26-29 American Alliance of Museums MeetingAmerican Alliance of Museums Meeting, Atlanta with Oklahoma Museums Association, Museum of the Red River and Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Reception for members and friends on April 27 from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

museline

The University of Tulsa is an EEO/AA institution.

Enhance your credentials Convenient classes for working professionals

Hands-on experience at Gilcrease MuseumContact The University of Tulsa for

more information at 918-631-2336, or grad@utulsa.edu

www.utulsa.edu/museum-science-management

Master’s Degree in Museum Science and Management

10www.okmuseums.org

Art Fraud Workshop: Solving the Mystery of Photons and ForgeryJoin the Oklahoma Registrars Association professional interest network for an interactive workshop involving forgeries and the science being used to discover the deception on February 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Participants will gain insight to the mind of forgers and the current process of authentication and an introduction to X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Attendees will get hands-on experience testing objects using XRF.

In addition, participants will tour the freshly opened exhibition, Intent to Deceive: Fakes and Forgeries in the Art World.

Colette Loll, founder and director of Art Fraud Insights, a consultancy dedicated to art fraud-related lectures, training, and specialized investigation

of artworks, will be one of the speakers. The other speaker will be Dr. Bruce Kaiser, Chief Scientist for Bruker Elemental where he focuses on XRF applications for museums and universities world wide.

The Art Fraud Workshop will be held at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art located at 415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City. There is a parking lot located to the north of the Museum and the parking rate is $10 for the day. For detailed parking information, visit www.okcmoa.com/visit/89-2/.

Registration for the workshop is $25 and includes lunch. The registration deadline is February 3. Space is limited to 20 participants. Register online here.

One scholarship will be offered to an OMA member. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is January

28. Apply for scholarship here.

The Art Fraud Workshop is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, Bruker Elemental, Art Fraud Insights and the Oklahoma Registrars Association professional interest network.

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Effective visitor servicescontinued from page 4

next one is and open the brochure to that page.

• Offer to throw away their drink cup, since it won’t be allowed in the galleries.

Perhaps the most fundamental way to assist visitors is to stay informed and curious. Always be willing to seek out answers to questions you don’t know. Never answer a question with “I don’t know.” Instead say, “Let me find out.” You have been provided with many tools such as maps, phone books, travel guides, etc., so that you can assist visitors with all types of questions. You are expected to help them obtain answers to any questions that they may have, regardless of whether or not it pertains to your museum. If you are unable to find the answer, or are unsure if the answer is correct, seek assistance from your colleagues or a staff member.

Above all, show your passion and joy for your museum in every transaction with a museum visitor. It can be contagious!

Connie Pirtle is the Founder/Director of Strategic Nonprofit Resources. For the past 16 years she has focused her work on effective volunteer engagement in museums and other community organizations. Connie was a board member of the American Association of Museum Volunteers for many years, and she was the Executive Editor of AAMV’s book, Transforming Museum Volunteering: A Practical Guide for Engaging 21st Century Volunteers. Send her your questions via OMA’s website “Ask a Professional” www.okmuseums.org/ask-a-professional/ or to AskConnieP@cs.com.

at least two weeks ahead.

8. Conflict of interest policy. Alternatively, many bylaws simply state that there will be a conflict of interest policy but keep its exact wording out of the bylaws.

9. Minimum number of board meetings per year. Example: four, with one in each quarter.

10. How a special or emergency board meeting may be called.

11. How a committee may be created or dissolved.

12. What committees exist, how members are appointed, and powers, if any. It may be easiest not to specify committees in the bylaws at all; instead, permit the board to create and dissolve standing and temporary committees as it sees fit. As a result, the bylaws need not be changed each time a committee is created or changed.

13. Conference calls and electronic meetings. Example: votes by e-mail or web forum are prohibited. Meetings may be held by conference call if all members can simultaneously hear one another. As Internet usage grows, some boards are adding sections to the bylaws that describe how to hold a board meeting on the Internet, or whether and how decisions can be made by e-mail.

14. How the bylaws can be changed. Example: by majority vote at a regularly scheduled board meeting.

Each board member should be given a copy of the articles of incorporation, the IRS and state determination letters, and the bylaws. Some organizations also post their bylaws on a password-protected section of their website.

Every few years, review the bylaws. Occasionally, individuals are invited to join boards without much scrutiny and are later found to be disruptive and destructive. Too often the board looks to the bylaws to see how to remove such a person, only to discover that the bylaws were written twenty years ago (and seldom looked at since) and have no such provision. Appropriate changes to the bylaws should be recorded in the board minutes, added to copies of the bylaws, and, in some cases, reviewed by an attorney experienced in nonprofit law.

Bylaws Checklistcontinued from page 3

The Oklahoma Museums As-sociation encourages museums to use information in this col-umn for board training. Mu-seum board members also are invited to take part in training seminars and other programs offered by OMA. For member-ship and program information go to okmuseums.org.

Next issue: Cash and in-vestment management

12www.okmuseums.org

If you would like to make a contribution to the OMA endowment fund at the Okla-homa City Community Foun-dation, please visit www.occf.org and select Donors: Online Giving; or you may contact the OMA office at 405.424.7757.

OMA endowment fund

The Oklahoma Museums Association would appreci-ate you remembering the organization in your will. If you are interested in leaving OMA a charitable bequest, the language in your will should contain the following:

I/We give to the Oklahoma Museums Association (EIN 73-1004791), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, the follow-ing money or asset (describe here) to benefit their chari-table purpose.

OMA encourages you to con-sult your estate planner, tax professional or attorney when preparing your charitable bequest.

Leave your legacy

recent giftsContributions, donations, grants and sponsorships received September 1 - November 30, 2014Supporters ($500 to $999)Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa – Hardesty Arts CenterCherokee Communications

Donors ($100 to $499)Kevin & Julie Baird, EnidLynette Biddle, EnidDeborah Burke, TulsaKen Busby, TulsaPat Cunningham, ChickashaMarci Donaho, SeminoleRose C. Gideon, Norman, in memory of Sue McCallisterJason Harris, McLoudJennifer Holt, ClaremoreITIN Museum ServicesDavid & Marcia Keathly, Ponca CityRobert Krumme, TulsaLegacy Cleaners & LaundryHenry Moy, Idabel, in memory of Mary & Quintus HerronScott & Stacy O’Daniel, OKCOklahoma City Community Foun- dation, Employee Grant Fund recommended by Gayle FarleyVan Oliver, OKCDane Pollei, ShawneeChristopher & Kathryn Rick, ShawneeDavid S. Russell, M.D., EnidDiane & Richard Salamon, TulsaShawnee TribeJoan Singleton, BartlesvilleBeverly Terry, Edmond History TrustPeter Tirrell, NormanSherri Vance, OKCKyle & Carol Williams, EnidRobin Willis, Anadarko

Contributors (up to $99)Susan Baley, NormanBeverly Brigham, MadillBecky Bules, LahomaCandice Burks, NormanMegan Clement, OKC

Kyle Davies, NormanDr. Richard Dawson, OKCDaystar Foundation and LibraryKim Dresser, HydroAnnette B. Fromm, Miami Beach FLJoe Glaser, Ponca CityLori Lewis, Broken ArrowMcLoud Historical SocietyBrittany Molloy-Kenney, Salem MAMary Owensby, LawtonDr. Robert Pickering, TulsaWalter Price, StillwaterThe Kerr Foundation

In-Kind DonorsKen Busby, TulsaFrank Phillips HomeFred Jones Jr. Museum of ArtFrom the Vine StudioGirls Gone WineJim Goss, BartlesvilleIris Muno Jordan, EdmondMuseum of the Red RiverOklahoma City Museum of ArtOklahoma City Zoological Park & Botanical GardenOklahoma Forest Heritage CenterScience Museum OklahomaSeminole Nation MuseumSlice MagazineSoutheast Oklahoma WoodturnersDelaynna Trim, Shawnee

University of Oklahoma PressVann & Associates | PR + Mar- ketingDoug Zook, Idabel

13www.okmuseums.org

View our complete profile at

GiveSmartOKC.org

A project of the

The Oklahoma Emerging Museum Professionals professional interest network will meet on February 5 for a brown bag lunch at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lauren Daughety, Vice President, Vann & Associates | PR + Marketing, will discuss personal branding. Personal branding is marketing yourself and your career as a brand to establish an image in the mind of others. In addition, she will touch on social media best practices, taking advantage of professional development opportunities to grow your skills and self, and etiquette, appearance and dressing appropriately.

Participants will provide their own lunch. There is no cost for registration, however you still need to register The registration deadline is February 2. Register online here.

The Personal Branding talk is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Emerging Museum Professionals professional interest network.

Personal Branding brown bag lunch program for emerging museum professionals Incorporating Folklore into

Museum Education workshopLike museum educators, folklore in education practitioners often employ object-based learning. This workshop on March 5 will introduce ethnographic tools of the folklorist to deepen teaching with artifacts across disciplines and age groups. Expect a highly interactive session that includes exercises to explore the concepts of insider, outsider, context, and material culture.

Speaker Paddy Bowman, Director of Local Learning: The National Network for Folk Arts in Education, will incorporate activities from the inaugural volume of the Journal of Folklore and Education, “Dress to Express: Exploring Culture and Identity,” will address how artifacts convey and reinforce identity.

The incorporating folklore workshop will be held at the Gilcrease Museum located at 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa.

Registration is $50 for OMA members and $65 for non-members and includes lunch. The registration deadline is February 23. Register online here.

One scholarship will be offered to an OMA member. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is February 17. Apply for scholarship here.

The education workshop is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Oklahoma Folklife Council, Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, Gilcrease Museum and the Oklahoma Museum Educators professional interest network.

14www.okmuseums.org

Educate. Inform. Entertain.43 Years of Serving Oklahoma MuseumsPartnering with us as a sponsor helps support the health of the museum profession and your museum association!

2015 Institutional Member Sponsorship OpportunitiesWant to show the museum community you are a leader in the field? Want to partner with an award-winning museum association? Want to be recognized as a champion of quality programs and services? Support OMA by becoming a program sponsor today!

$1500 Major Sponsor of all 2015 OMA ProgrammingThis level sponsor will be recognized in all OMA programming throughout the year.

$1000 Choose from the following opportunities: Economic Impact Survey Sponsor OMA Conference Sustaining Sponsor

$500 Choose from the following opportunities: Museum Accessioning and Registration of Collections Course OMA Conference Supporting SponsorshipOMA Smarties Trivia Night

$250 Choose from the following opportunities:Museum Advocacy/Oklahoma Museums Week Oklahoma Emerging Museum Professionals Oklahoma Museum Educators (OKME) Program Oklahoma Native American Museum Professionals (OKNAMPA) Program Oklahoma Registrars Association (OKRA) Program

$150 Choose from the following opportunities: District Meetings and Programs Resources for OMA Lending Library Resources for OMA Disaster Response Network

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for the OMA annual conference and Smarties Trivia Night. Please contact the OMA office at 405.424.7757 for more information on these sponsorships.

Yes! We are interested in sponsoring one or more events as indicated above totaling $ Name Institution Address City State Zip Phone E-mail ○ Visa/MasterCard/American Express/Discover ○ Check enclosed ○ Send invoice on Credit card # Exp CVV Signature

Return this sheet to OMA, 2100 Northeast 52nd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 or complete online at okmuseums.org

Questions? Contact Brenda Granger, Executive Director, at 405.424.7757 or bgranger@okmuseums.org Sponsorships are available on a first come-first served basis. THANK YOU!OMA is a 501c3 charitable organization - Tax number 73-1004791

All sponsorships will be acknowledged on the

OMA website. You also will receive a

partnership with an award-winning museum

association, credit in publicity material, name on any event

signage, inclusion on donor page in OMA

newsletter, and receive one complimentary registration to the

program sponsored.

15www.okmuseums.org

New and renewed members September 1 - November 30, 2014New members are indicated with an asterisk.

member recognition

IndividualsFriendSherri Vance, OKC

IndividualDorothy Amphlett, MiamiPat Baker, Elk CityDr. Janet Braun, NormanGary L. Brown, EnidMarlin Butcher, NormanLori Chandler, Norman*Matthew Clapper, BartlesvilleJo Crabtree, BartlesvilleBrian Crockett, Albuquerque NMTobie Cunningham, OKCJayne Detten, Ponca CityMike Doak, HenryettaKim Goss, BartlesvilleSteven Gragert, ClaremoreRegina Green, TalihinaMelessa Gregg, OKCMark Janzen, EdmondAbigail Jones, OKCBetty Keim, BartlesvilleKara Kemp, OKC*Iris Muno Jordan, EdmondAlison Maruska, OKCDarcy Marlow, TulsaMarina Metevelis, TulsaJulie Moring, NormanDebbie Neece, BartlesvilleJoan Singleton, BartlesvilleGena Timberman, OKCPeter Tirrell, NormanRaymond Watkins, Lewisville TX*

StudentMariah Ashbacher, OKC*Jordan Boyd, AftonJoanna Butterworth, EdmondMadison Ennenga, Edmond*Rissa Fisher, Norman*Alexander Knox, Norman*Dexter Nelson, II, OKC*Noelle Scarfone, Geronimo

Designated Staff/Board/VolunteerChristopher Azbell, OkmulgeeMichael Blevins, Sayre*Ammie Bryant, StillwaterClary Carey, OKCScott Cumm, HobartPat Cunningham, ChickashaKim Dresser, WeatherfordKaren Dye, NewkirkMary Early, OKCFlorence Fly, OKCDouglas Forsyth, Norman

Ben Fox, NormanMichelle Gather, HobartGeorge Gibson, OKCJustin Giles, OkmulgeeEdward Granger, OKCMelessa Gregg, OKCTara Henson, OKCAshlie Hight, StillwaterAndi Holland, EnidDavid Hopper, NormanCody Jolliff, EnidNikki Jones, HobartKara Kemp, OKC*David Kennedy, EnidDr. Dwight Lawson, OKC*Warren Martin, HobartAlison Maruska, OKCLarry Mattox, Drumright*ShaVon McClenathan, OkmulgeeWayne McCombs, ClaremoreDana McCrory, OKC*Delissa Payne, OKC*Norm Pence, Hugo*Dennis Peterson, SpiroMelissa Peterson, OKCCarole Pinches, WilsonTammy Posey, Drumright*Harold Powell, TempleAaron Preston, EnidTeresa Randall, OKCCathy Riggins, FrederickJodi Risley, Boise CityLarry Roberts, Miami*Dr. David Russell, EnidDavid Sapper, OKCTracey Satepahoodle-Mikkanen, NormanGerrianne Schaad, OKCJason Schubert, ClaremoreDonna Starbird, AftonAmy Stephens, OKCBrent Trout, Muskogee*Sherri Vance, OKCDr. Ray Vandiver, Tulsa*T.L. Walker, Ponca City*Sue Weissinger, GoodwellBrian Whinery, OKC*

InstitutionsPinnacleAmerican Fidelity Heritage CenterDaystar Foundation and LibraryDrumright Historical Society Museum*General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and MuseumGrady County Historical Society Museum

Harn Homestead MuseumJacobson House Native Art CenterMuscogee (Creek) Nation Cultural Center & ArchivesNational Weather Museum & Science CenterTemple Museum Association

ElevatedCherokee Strip Regional Heritage CenterFrisco Depot Museum*J.M. Davis Arms & Historical MuseumMuskogee War Memorial ParkNational Rod and Custom Car Hall of FameNo Man’s Land MuseumOklahoma City Zoological Park & Botanical GardenShortgrass Country MuseumTulsa Children’s MuseumWorld Organization of China Painters

Ground FloorCimarron Heritage CenterInternational Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Inc.Newkirk Community Historical Society & MuseumOklahoma Blues ConsortiumOklahoma Museum of Telephone HistoryOttawa County Historical Society and Dobson MuseumSheerar Museum of Stillwater HistorySpiro Mounds Archaeological CenterStanding Bear MuseumTillman County Historical SocietyWestern Oklahoma Historical CenterWilson Historical Museum

Affiliated Organization/CorporateLevel IIElliott + Associates ArchitectsUniversity of Tulsa Museum Science and Management Program

Level IITIN Museum ServicesNorman Arts CouncilUniversity of Oklahoma Press

16www.okmuseums.org

OMA District Representatives and members submit news for inclu-sion in MuseNEWS. Contact infor-mation appears below. Submis-sion deadlines are March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1.

District 1Ray Vandiver, District 1 Rep.Tulsa Children’s Museum918.295.8144 rvandiver@tulsachildrensmuseum.org

Join Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa, in the WGC Theater for a concert with the Smokey & The Mirror on January 31 at 7:00 p.m. woodyguthriecenter.org/events/smokey-the-mirror/

Frontier to Foundry: The Making of Small Bronze Sculpture in the Gilcrease Collection at Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, closes March 23. gilcrease.utulsa.edu/Explore/Exhibits/Future-Exhibits/Frontier

The Petting Barn at Woolaroc Museum, Bartlesville, opens March 18. While there, visit the History of the Buffalo exhibit and read about the history of the buffalo in America. www.woolaroc.org/pages/events

District 2Regina Berna, District 2 Rep.Chickasaw Nation Museums & Historic Sites580.371.9835regina.berna@chickasaw.net

Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum, Afton, will take their show on the road for the 51st Annual Rod and Custom Car Show, February 20-22 at the River

What’s new and happening in Oklahoma museums around the state

Spirit Center Fairgrounds in Tulsa. www.darrylstarbird.com/index.html

Celebrate Oklahoma’s state dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus atokensis, on March 7 during ACRO fest at Museum of the Red River, Idabel. www.museumoftheredriver.org/motrr-programs-and-activities#festivals

District 3David Keathly, District 3 Rep.Marland Estate580.767.0420keathdw@poncacityok.gov

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, Enid, received a $1.5 million grant for its ongoing capital campaign for renovation and expansion.

Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History, Stillwater, is hosting the Judith Karman Hospice Shorts Festival featuring six 15-minute plays on March 28-29. www.sheerarmuseum.org/calendar.html

District 4Stephanie Allen, District 4 Rep.Sam Noble Museum405.325.5481stephanie.allen@ou.edu

Kachinas Featuring Hand Carved Dolls by Mike Aguirre on exhibit at Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan. onthechisholmtrail.esecure-site.com/art-lovers/coming-soon/

RARE: Potraits of America’s Endagered Species closing January 19 at Sam Noble Museum, Norman. www.snomnh.ou.edu/exhibits/spex/index.htm

District 5 Karen Whitecotton, District 5 Rep.Green Collection/Museum of the Bible

405.878-6341 kwhitecotton79@yahoo.com

Nicole Palmeter is the new part-time Administrative Assist-ant at Oklahomans for the Arts.

Coyote Songs – Desperado Dreams: the Art of Robby McMurtry on exhibit at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC, through May 10. www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/events/event.aspx?ID=926

Join Science Museum Oklahoma, OKC, for Bright Night of Grossology on March 6. www.sciencemuseumok.org/content/bright-nights-0

Make and take historical crafts at Edmond Historical Society & Museum, Edmond March 17-20. www.edmondhistory.org/calendar/spring-break-classes/

The Illuminated Word: The Saint John’s Bible on exhigit at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee, through January 25. www.mgmoa.org/exhibitions/illuminated-word/

Intent to Deceive: Fakes and Forgeries in the Art World opens February 14 at Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City.www.okcmoa.com/see/exhibitions/intent-to-deceive/

17www.okmuseums.org

MissionOklahoma Museums Association exists to support Oklahoma museums in their efforts to educate, inform and entertain.

About MuseNEWSMuseNEWS is published quarterly by OMA and made possible by assistance from the Oklahoma Arts Council. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re-produced in any form without written consent.

Articles may be submitted to the Editor for consideration in upcoming issues of Muse-NEWS. Advertising informa-tion can be found on the OMA website. Availablity of adver-tising space is determined by the Editor.

Co-Editors: Brenda Granger, Executive Director, bgrang-er@okmuseums.org; Stacy O’Daniel, Administrative & Program Associate, sodaniel@okmuseums.org

Oklahoma Museums Association2100 NE 52 StreetOklahoma City, OK 73111405.424.7757okmuseums.org

OMA is a member of Ameri-can Alliance of Museums, American Association for State and Local History, Arts Council of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Center for Non-profits and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.

A S S O C I A T I O NMUSEUMSO K L A H O M A

MO AIntroduce yourself to OMA!Museum staff, volunteers and board members are encouraged to join OMA as individual members. Museums, historical societies, tribal cultural centers, zoos and other related entities also are encouraged to join as an institutional member. Businesses and affiliated organiza-tions with an interest in Oklahoma museums may join OMA as corpo-rate members. For a complete list of membership benefits, visit the OMA website.

Individual membership packages (pay online)□ Patron $250 □ Friend $100 □ Individual $50 □ Retired Professional $35 □ Student (electronic) $15

Institutional membership packages (pay online)Pinnacle and Elevated Package dues are based on the staff size you select. Staff may be defined as paid or unpaid individuals with museum responsibilities. Include volunteers or board members as staff if you want to extend benefits to them.Pinnacle Package□ Staff size 0-2 $125 □ Staff size 3-5 $300 □ Staff size 6-10 $575□ Staff size 11-20 $850 □ Staff size 21+ $1,125

Elevated Package□ Staff size 0-2 $100 □ Staff size 3-5 $250 □ Staff size 6-10 $500□ Staff size 11-20 $750 □ Staff size 21+ $1,000

Ground Floor PackageDues are based on what the museum is able to pay. $

Affiliated Organization & Corporate membership packages (pay online)□ Level II Package $500 □ Level I Package $250

Name

Institution

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone

E-mail

Website

Amount enclosed or authorized for charge $

Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express #

Exp. CVV

Signature

Send payment and form to: Oklahoma Museums Association2100 Northeast 52nd StreetOklahoma City, OK 73111 okmuseums.org