Strong leadership and effective governance are essential to the long-term success of museums. This interactive workshop, part of the LEAD: Leadership, Engagement, and Development Program for Rural Museums, will provide museum leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to build and sustain strong governance structures. Participants will explore best practices for nonprofit museum leadership, learn how governance impacts a museum’s ability to engage its community, and develop strategies to strengthen board effectiveness. As one component of the broader LEAD program, this workshop will focus on governance and sustainability while also laying the foundation for ongoing collaboration through a regional museum network supported by the Texas Plains Trail Region.

Workshop topics include:

Nonprofit Governance & Museum Standards – Understanding legal responsibilities, best practices, and Texas-specific laws and resources
Board Roles & Responsibilities – Defining expectations, duties, and terms to create a well-functioning board
Mission, Vision & Values – Strengthening the museum’s purpose and aligning leadership decisions with organizational goals
Leadership in Action – Advocacy, partnerships, volunteer and staff engagement, and long-term planning for sustainability

Dr. Bob Beatty, workshop instructor, will inspire engaging discussions, share real-world case studies, and incorporate hands-on activities. Participants will gain practical tools, templates, and resources to enhance governance and leadership at their museums. Workshop activities will build toward the optional, in-person site visit, a key component of this program, where museums will apply what they’ve learned with support from the Texas Plains Trail Region’s Executive Director and board members.

By equipping museum leaders with essential skills and fostering a regional network, this workshop will help create a sustainable future for museums, ensuring their continued role as vital centers of community engagement and historical preservation. The same workshop is offered in four different locations to meet convenience.

The workshop is a collaboration between the Texas Plains Trail Region, Texas Association of Museums, and Texas Historical Commission.

This program is supported by the SummerLee Foundation. Founded in 1988, The Summerlee Foundation is a mission-driven, proactive organization dedicated to the support of animal protection and the preservation of Texas history.

This program is also supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this workshop do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.