Collaborative, Empowering, Engaging Museum Experiences
Seed Education Consulting is an education, interpretation, and evaluation consultancy based in Boston, Massachusetts. Since 2009, Principal Elisabeth Nevins has collaborated with museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations to create empowering and engaging learning experiences with their communities that are grounded in mission, reciprocal need, and organizational resources.
InterpretATION / content development
strategy / PLANNING / FACILITATION
program / EXHIBIT evaluation
TRAINING / professional development
Approach
The seed of Seed/Ed is a nod to John Quincy Adams’ motto which is itself a nod to a quote from Cicero: serit arbores quae alteri seculo prosint, or, in English, we plant seeds for the benefit of future generations. As museum professionals we work diligently to plan and present compelling exhibits and programs that plant seeds of inspiration and knowledge in our visitors’ hearts and minds. But we rarely have the affirmation—the pleasure—of seeing those seeds take root, grow, and flourish in ways that we never could have imagined, let alone planned for. In many respects our work is an act of faith.
I tackle my projects from the perspective of a seed planter and audience advocate. Cultivation is central to my approach as I believe that museum experiences generate the greatest potential for spontaneous wonder, empathy, and learning when they are created in partnership with our communities. My experience encompasses the full spectrum of visitor engagement opportunities within the museum setting, allowing for a collaborative process that makes space for the many possible ways a museum interaction can sow the seeds for life-long learning, empowerment, and stronger communities.
Photos courtesy of Nathan Ansell, Joвана Младеновић & Ira Mint and available on Unsplash
