By Emily Dattilo, Director of the Mount Prospect Historical Society

I work with some incredibly talented and dedicated board members at the Mount Prospect Historical Society (MPHS). They consider themselves to be a “working board,” which means everyone understands that they have a part to play in keeping MPHS running. Here are five ways to engage your museum board based on my experiences:

1.      Find each board member’s strengths.

Each board member brings their own unique talents and interests to your museum. Once you know what their strengths are, you can find projects that your board members will be invested in. For instance, one of the most successful examples of this strategy at MPHS is in our Living History Committee. This group of both board members and other volunteers tackle creating and facilitating our educational programs for all ages. Most of the participants are retired educators, so they already have decades of experience. Their commitment to the task shines through in the quality of the programming and the enthusiastic response from the community. 

2.      Don’t be afraid to ask for the board’s help directly.

The board is there because they want to help the museum, but board members may not always know where their help is needed. Asking board members to help with specific tasks gives them a clear way to support the museum’s activities. Our biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual Holiday Housewalk, is a great example of how MPHS board members answer the call for volunteers each year. Each person on the board participates in this event, from the planning process to handling ticket sales at the event to giving tours of the houses.   

3.      Meet board members where they are in life and manage your expectations accordingly.

It’s important to remember that every board member has a life outside of being a board member and that can affect the amount of time and the ways that they’re available to help out. A stay-at-home parent, for instance, may be more available during the school year than during the summer, while an active retiree might set aside a few hours a week for museum projects all year round.

4.      Be willing to train board members when necessary.

Just like any volunteer, board members may need training for whatever project they’re about to undertake. When a board member becomes a Dietrich Friedrichs House tour guide, for example, I schedule a time to meet and to go over the interpretation notes, as well as to see other volunteer tour guides in action. I want to make sure they have everything they need to feel comfortable and prepared for the role.

5.      Show your appreciation!

Don’t forget to show your board members that you appreciate their contributions to the museum! At the end of the day, they’re volunteers who are choosing to spend their free time supporting your museum. Even a short thank-you note makes a difference. Each summer we host a brunch inside our one-room Central School to thank all our volunteers, including the board members. Nothing says “thank you” quite like delicious food! 

The Dietrich Friedrichs House (left) and Central School (right) at the Mount Prospect Historical Society