Event Recap

2017 Southeastern Museums Conference

New Orleans plays host to an annual gathering of museum professionals. 

The 2017 Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) draws on a membership of Museum professionals covering a dozen states plus Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Its annual gathering, held September 11-13 in New Orleans, featured panels and presentations by several representatives of The National WWII Museum, including Tiffany Charles, Collin Makamson, Shelbie Johnson, Rob Wallace, Owen Glendening, Melanie Holmes, and Chrissy Gregg. 

Stephen J. Watson, the Museum’s President & CEO, and Gordon H. “Nick,” Mueller, the Museum’s President & CEO Emeritus, participated in a panel discussion about master planning for museums. 

Monday, September 11, Watson and Dr. Mueller accepted the Louisiana Association of Museums (LAM) Museum of the Year Award.

The next day, Dr. Mueller was honored by the SEMC with the James R. Short Award. 

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Mueller—a cofounder of the Museum with author and historian Stephen E. Ambrose—said his personal success in building the institution is founded on the talents and drive of many others, noting, "You bring enough talent and imagination to the table, you have a chance." He added that he hopes leaders from many of the region's museums are inspired by our story. "America needs you,” he said. “Your communities need you."

The Museum also hosted a Museum Night cocktail reception along with the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Contemporary Arts Center. 

Below, a slide show of Museum moments at the gathering. 

 

  • nick stephen

    Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller and Stephen J. Watson. 

  • presentation

    A presentation delivered by Collin Makamson and Shelbie Johnson.

  • mueller acceptance

    Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller accepts the James R. Short Award. 

  • planning

    Left to right: Museum exhibit designer Patrick Gallagher, Museum architect Bart Voorsanger; Museum President & CEO Emeritus Nick Mueller, master planning panel moderator Scott Evans from Mathes Brierre Architects, Museum President & CEO Stephen Watson, and Ed Mathes.

  • Banquet

    Representing The National WWII Museum at the Louisiana Association of Museums awards banquet, left to right around the table: Owen Glendening, Stephanie Verdin, Becky Mackie, Bob Farnsworth, Gordon H."Nick" Mueller, Chrissy Gregg, Colonel Pete Crean, Collin Makamson. 

  • banquet 2

    Left to right: Tiffany Charles, Stephen J. Watson, Melanie Holmes, Elena Sanderlin, Robert Citino, Michael Carroll.