In 2023 the Museum Institute at Great Camp Sagamore will bring together mid-career museum professionals to learn together in a unique, historical, and remote setting. 

Sessions will blend formal and informal learning, balance presentations with group discussions, and skill building with theory. The program will commence on Tuesday afternoon September 26 and conclude at lunch on September 29. The agenda will be divided into distinct learning sections to help participants understand contemporary leadership practices and support professional and personal growth. 

Participants will learn practical skills including how to prepare for and implement institutional change and the differences between planning, strategy, and governance. Leaders will discuss how budgets reflect values, how to strengthen professional communications and relationships, and how to navigate conflict resolution and negotiation. Practical and interactive activities will help participants build confidence and grow resiliency. Time will be set aside for 1:1 meetings with program leaders and individual reflection. Shared learning and group experiences will support a cohort that can help each other throughout their careers.

"The Museum Institute was a worthwhile experience and I'm grateful for the insights that the presenters provided and for the fascinating conversations I had with my peers. It was also wonderful to get away from the city, be in the scenic natural landscape, and have a chance to soak in some of the beautiful scenery."

– 2021 Museum Institute attendee

2023 Museum Institute Leaders

Learn more about the 2023 Museum Institute Leaders

How to apply

Applications closed!

Admission is by application and closes on July 5; notification of acceptance will be made by July 14. If you are accepted, you must confirm your attendance and make a $250 deposit by July 28. Balance of payment will be due by August 31. 

Attendance will be limited to 20 participants.

If you are interested, but unsure if you qualify as a mid-career museum professional, you will have the opportunity to define yourself in the application.

Registration

MANY Members $945

Non-members $995

What's included?

Includes tuition, three nights’ accommodations, welcome reception, dinners, lunches, and breakfasts, museum visit admission, and full use of boating and hiking facilities.

Scholarships

Two Scholarships are available for Long Island museum professionals who work at museums with budgets under $250,000 with funding from the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation.

Scholarships include all services mentioned above plus a travel stipend up to $500.

Scholarship qualification is determined by the Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation.

About Great Camp Sagamore

Great Camp Sagamore is a National Historic Landmark in the Adirondack wilderness. Built in 1897 by visionary great camps designer William West Durant on 1,526 acres of remote wilderness in the Adirondack Park, Great Camp Sagamore was a wilderness retreat for the Vanderbilt family for half a century. It is a National Historic Landmark managed by a non-profit education institution as a public trust.

Learn more about Great Camp Sagamore