My Nonprofit Reviews
Heather
Review for Heritance, Norwich, VT, USA
The Missisquoi Museum, a small non-profit organization in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, first encountered Heritance in late 2006. The Heritance team were described to us a "museologists without borders". As we have been struggling for years with falling attendance, a lack of focus and direction, and a decline in energy and enthusiasm we felt that perhaps having wise council from an exterior point of view would be helpful. Little did we know after our first meeting with their director Maureen Doyle what amazing changes were in store for us. Our first workshop involved not only the staff and board of directors of the historical society but also museum professionals, similar organizations and key representatives from the community. Discussions were thought provoking and encouraging. Heritance guided the process with clairity, humour and an understanding of how small museums and small communities work. The result from this first workshop was a renewed interest in the museum's future as a potential regional museum. We started to see the potential that the Heritance team could see in us. Work began immediately on a strategic plan, a mission statement, thoughts on partnering with other organizations, an education programme and a clearer approach to how we want to see our museum in the community and in the future. The advice and guidance from Heritance has been priceless. The team of professionals are intelligent,approachable and committed to their projects. Our continued connection to them means that we are moving in a postive direction and with a sense that we are not alone.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the fact that our museum now has a strategic plan, a vision, and a sense of purpose and direction, and a renewed energy level.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hire Maureen Doyle and her team to run it for me!
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting members of the Heritance team and conversing with them about our museum and small museums world wide.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very professional, dedicated, personable and wise.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its staff and budget and probably reach more organizations like the Missisquoi Museum on a global level.
Ways to make it better...
more members from our own museum participated in the process and communication network with Heritance.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
probably financial. Their work could go far and wide if they had more funding.
One thing I'd also say is that...
an historical organization or museum must be committed and dedicated to a project when working with Heritance. If the organization is not willing to work hard, they will not obtain all the wonderful benefits, advice and guidance that will be available to them through the Heritance team. Even a small amount of effort gives big results.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
