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In an era of deepening controversy over accounts of history and culture, museums hold an essential role in confronting contemporary social realities related to truth, justice, and inclusion.
Join Christopher Miller and Cody Hefner of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to discuss how their museum has taken a leading role in addressing tough social issues through media statements, exhibits, and public programs. We’ll talk about how and when museums can make public statements around issues that intersect with their mission, the prep work before releasing a statement, and the follow-up needed to ensure statements result in action.
Christopher Miller is the Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. An accomplished museum professional with 16 + years of public history experience, his areas of expertise include historical research and certified interpretation, museum administration and public program development. Miller directs initiatives that build public awareness of history and advances initiatives related to social justice, equity, cultural competency and legacies of the Underground Railroad. He advocates for educating the public about the complete narrative of America through the lens of the African American experience. Miller earned his MA in Public History from Northern Kentucky University in 2017, becoming the first African American male to graduate from the program, and his BA in English from Northern Kentucky University in 2004. Before graduating Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University, Miller earned a fellowship with the Institute for Freedom Studies where he served as a Research Assistant decoding antebellum runaway slave ads.
Cody Hefner is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, focusing on driving attendance and revenue and on elevating the museum’s reputation and brand identity. In his nine years with NURFC and the Cincinnati Museum Center, he has led the development and implementation of over 20 major exhibitions, led communications around the 2 ½-year historic restoration of Union Terminal and worked in partnership with Cincinnati Museum Center’s Philanthropy team to lead communications around the $112 million Champion More Curiosity campaign to build the museum’s future. Working with the educational and programming teams at the Freedom Center, Cody has helped make it a sought-after voice by the media on historic and contemporary issues of equity. Cody has a BA in history and American Studies and an MA in history from Miami University. He also serves on the American Alliance of Museums Public Relations and Marketing Board and the Movers & Makers Editorial Board.
When: Monday, October 17, 2022, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Online – complete webinar login details will be sent to participants after registering
Cost: $10 – OMA Members; $15 Non-members
Registration deadline: October 14, 2022
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