Sponsoring Meaningful Initiatives

At the Illinois Association of Museums (IAM), we are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and resilient museum community. To achieve this, we proudly sponsor and advocate for initiatives that we believe have the potential to make a significant positive impact. Two such initiatives are the Resiliency Collective and Museums on Call.

The Resiliency Collective

The Resiliency Collective is an initiative dedicated to addressing mental health within museum environments. We recognize that mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and museums play a crucial role in creating safe and supportive spaces for both visitors and staff. This initiative encourages museums to:

• Implement Mental Health Programs: Develop and integrate mental health programs and resources that support both staff and visitors.

• Foster Inclusive Spaces: Create inclusive environments that prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of everyone who walks through their doors.

• Collaborate with Mental Health Professionals: Partner with mental health experts to provide training, resources, and support for museum staff.

By advocating for mental health awareness and support, the Resiliency Collective aims to enhance the overall experience within museums and promote a culture of care and understanding.

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Museums on Call

Museums on Call is an initiative that urges museums to form partnerships with healthcare providers. This collaboration aims to leverage the unique resources and capabilities of museums to improve the lives of patients and caregivers receiving treatment or care and those that may be unable to visit museums. Through Museums on Call, we encourage museums to:

• Develop Reminiscence-Based Museum Pop-Ups: Create portable exhibits and programs that promote reminiscence and can provide distractions in a healthcare environment such as at a hospital or senior living facility.

• Create Games or Videos: Create easy-to-play games or video walk-throughs of your museum that can be facilitated by healthcare volunteers and played by those going through treatment at the hospital, living in a senior living community, hospice patients, and more.

• Create Virtual Activities: Create activities that can be hosted virtually for patients and their caregivers by healthcare providers or healthcare volunteers. These can be anything from live video walk-throughs of your space to specialized programs and more.

• Offer a Space for Patients and Caregivers to Visit: We encourage museums to provide spaces for caregivers and those who might have recently lost a loved one to come and find a healthy distraction. Museums can serve as a community anchor for those going through some of the most difficult times of their lives, from sensory safe spaces to reminiscence programming and more.

By partnering with healthcare providers, Museums on Call seeks to transform museums into vital hubs supporting health and wellness, contributing to the overall well-being of their communities.

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IAM on the Road: Taste of Museums

On the Road with the Illinois Association of Museums in 2026!

Illinois is a state shaped by its roads, highways, and byways — pathways that connect communities, history, and culture across the Land of Lincoln. In 2026, we’re hitting the road to celebrate America250 with single-day workshops and A Taste of Museums in communities throughout Illinois.

Join us on the Road as we learn, connect, and celebrate the stories that make Illinois unique!

Taste of Museums

Taste of Museums is a statewide initiative that invites museums to celebrate their offerings through vibrant, community-centered events. This collaborative series is designed to bring local audiences closer to the rich experiences museums provide—from engaging exhibitions and educational programs to exclusive member perks and seasonal highlights.

Through Taste of Museums, we encourage museums to:

• Showcase Signature Programs and Events: Feature your museum’s most exciting offerings—whether it’s a summer camp, a winter exhibition, a hands-on workshop, or a special event. Taste of Museums is your chance to spotlight what makes your institution unique and welcoming.
• Collaborate with Neighboring Museums: Join forces with other museums in your area to create a dynamic, multi-institution experience. By working together, museums can amplify their impact and demonstrate the collective value they bring to their communities.
• Engage Local Communities: Design events that invite families, educators, and curious minds to explore what’s happening in their own backyard. Taste of Museums is a celebration of accessibility, discovery, and the joy of learning.
• Offer Exclusive Opportunities: Use this platform to share membership discounts, behind-the-scenes previews, or early registration for upcoming programs. It’s a great way to build lasting relationships with your visitors.

Taste of Museums is more than an event, it’s a reminder that museums are pillars of education, engagement, and inspiration. By participating, museums affirm their role as essential community anchors, fostering curiosity and connection across generations.

Museums interested in hosting a Taste of Museums event are encouraged to contact IAM at illinoismuseums@gmail.com. We’re here to help bring the magic of museums to more families across Illinois.

Taste of Museums—a journey of discovery awaits.

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Taste of Museums

Join Us in Making a Difference

At IAM, we are committed to supporting these initiatives and many others that align with our mission of promoting education, inclusivity, and community well-being. We invite you to join us in our efforts to create resilient, healthy, and vibrant museum environments. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure that museums continue to serve as essential resources for our communities.