Flipping the Hierarchy
Big Lessons from Small Museums
Small museums are often measured by their size, budgets, or staffing levels. Yet some of the museum field’s most complex, innovative, and community-centered leadership happens within these institutions. In fact, many of the challenges museums are now learning to navigate, such as resource constraints, community accountability, and constant change, are realities that small museums have been leading through for decades.
In this SMAll Talk conversation, we’ll challenge the assumption that size equals impact, examine the unique strengths developed through small museum work, and explore what institutions of all sizes can learn from the leadership and innovation happening in small museums every day.
Following a successful presentation at the American Alliance of Museum’s Annual Conference around this topic, join small museum leaders Lynne Calamia (Executive Director, Roebling Museum), Ann Bennett (Executive Director, Howard County Historical Society), Heidi Schlag (Principal, Heritage Tourism Studio) and Alli Schell (SMA board member and Founder, Your Museum Career Coach) as they continue this conversation about the impact, leadership, and lessons emerging from small museums across the field.
After a brief presentation, participants will engage in facilitated discussions to share experiences, exchange ideas, and reflect on how small museums can continue to shape a stronger and more equitable museum field.
About SMAll Talk
SMAll Talk is a free virtual conversation series from the Small Museum Association designed to bring museum professionals together around timely topics impacting small museums. Each session begins with a brief presentation to introduce an idea, spark reflection, or provide practical context, followed by a facilitated discussion where participants can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. SMAll Talk creates space for meaningful dialogue, practical takeaways, and community connection from colleagues across the field