Programs and Events

American Museums development advisor Ms. Elaine Heumann Gurian in New Zealand

April 20-21, 2006

( L-R)  Professor Jenny Harper ( Victoria University) Phillipa Tocker ( CEO Museum's Aotearoa) Dr. Roy Glover, (Public Affairs Officer U.S. Embassy) Brett Mason (Director, Museum of Wellington City and Sea) and guest of honor Elaine Huemann Gurian (American Museums Development Advisor) at dinner following a reception given in her honor.

American Museums development advisor Ms. Elaine Heumann Gurian is in New Zealand to address the national New Zealand museum's conference Thursday 20 and Friday 21 April 2006.Her keynote address and participation in this conference will provide training and inspiration to 140 museum professionals from all regions of New Zealand.

U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Department has assisted the host organizing group (Museum's Aotearoa) with a grant in support of her accommodation and per diem. Ms. Gurian ( formerly of the Smithsonian Institution) attended a reception given in her honor by Public Affairs Officer Dr. Roy Glover on Tuesday April 18. Guests included leaders of Wellington's museum and visitor interpretation center sector.  Following a welcome speech by Dr. Glover, Ms Gurian replied saying that, as she traveled the world advising on museum development and program design she noticed that many countries referred to New Zealand's Te Papa (national museum) as a leading example of museum program and service. This type of first hand feed back to the directors of Te Papa, who were present at the reception,  was very positively received. Public Affairs plans to nominate the new curator of photography at Te Papa for a Voluntary Visitor program which follows on well from the encouragement given by Ms. Gurian.

To view more photos of the reception... (more)