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SEMC 2026 Workshop

June 15, 2026 - Jackson, Mississippi 



We are pleased to open registration for a funded opportunity to attend a one-day workshop: 

Legacy Forward in Action: Practical Exhibit Planning & Installation

Workshop dates/times: 

  • Monday June 15, 2026- 9:00AM-4:30PM

Workshop location: 

  • Two Mississippi Museums, Jackson, Mississippi 

Cost:

  • This workshop is free to attend, with space limited to the first 15 registrants. A waitlist will be available once capacity is reached.

Register Here

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Workshop Overview 


The Mississippi Department of Archives & History (MDAH) and the Southeastern Museums Conference will present a one-day exhibit planning workshop on June 15, 2026, at the Two Mississippi Museums in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. This program is offered as part of SEMC’s 75th Anniversary Legacy Forward Learning Series.

Are you planning a new exhibit? Are you looking for advice on exhibit standards for artifacts, mount fabrication, and budgets? Led by MDAH curatorial staff, this workshop will provide attendees with practical advice on developing an exhibit from conceptual design to installation, with ADA considerations in mind; gathering, documenting, and staging artifacts; installing exhibits in historic spaces and more. 

Designed for museum professionals at various stages of exhibition development, this hands-on workshop offers an opportunity to strengthen planning strategies and implementation practices. 

Preliminary Schedule:  

9:00–9:30 AM – Welcome & Workshop Overview

  • Introductions and workshop goals

  • The installation phase in context: why preparation, planning, and communication matter

  • Overview of tools, materials, and workflows used throughout the day


9:30–10:45 AM – Session 1: Collections/Curatorial Overview 

Presenters:

Jessica Walzer, Curator of Collections

Ivette Ray, Curatorial Services Director

Discuss exhibit theme development and engaging audiences, artifact selection, artifact documentation (forms, etc.), loans, artifact label writing.

10:45–11:00 AM – Break

11:00 AM–12:15 PM – Session 2: Design Phase; Wall Prep, Layout & Label Placement 

Presenters:

Sam Butz, Director of Exhibits

Hannah  Battey, Exhibit Designer


Discuss general exhibit design, case layouts, exhibit flow, label layouts and label installation, label layout and mounting hands-on exercise.

12:15–1:15 PM – Lunch (provided)

1:15–2:45 PM – Session 3: Exhibit Standards and Preventative Conservation

Presenter:

Kathryn Etre, Director of Conservation


Discuss industry standards for environmental controls, light levels, case materials, etc. Artifact handling discussion. Hands on monitoring exercise.

2:45–3:00 PM – Break

3:00–4:15 PM – Session 4: Mount-Making and Hanging Techniques 

Presenters:

Sam Butz, Exhibit Specialist

Kathryn Etre, Director of Conservation

Discuss mount making strategies for various artifacts and exhibit hanging techniques. Hands-on installation activities.

Open Q&A and scenario-based troubleshooting with facilitators

* If time permits: Tour the exhibits workshop 

 4:15–4:30 PM – Wrap-Up & Next Steps

  • Translating workshop skills to participants’ home institutions 

  • Resource packet: tool lists, supply recommendations, safety checklists

  • Participant reflections and takeaway commitments

If time allows, participants will have the chance to tour the temporary exhibit “Mississippi Made” at 8:30 am before the workshop begins. 


For further information, please contact: