Candace Matelic's article, "Understanding Change and Transformation in History Organizations" (AALSH History News 63.2, Spring 2008), is a must read to understand the complexity of initiating change and transformation within a history organization.

After studying seven very different history museums in various parts of the country, Candace Matelic explains the variety of reasons institutions are facing a fundamental redefinition of purpose and outlines ground rules and key understandings necessary to facilitate change.

Based on the belief that traditional museum activities are no longer adequate, she explains that to justify their existence history museums must engage their communities to discover what they care about in an effort to be relevant and establish deep and personal connections with new audiences.

She acknowledges the difficulty that institutions have in achieving deep change, but recognizes their satisfaction as resources and energy are redirected to increase public service and meet the needs of the community.

Understanding Change and Transformation.pdf