ASTC is pleased to join with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), other partners, and our members in support of Museums Advocacy Day. This annual event offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together to make the case for museums.

Together as a field, we’ve defeated several threats to eliminate federal agencies supporting museums, but we must keep making our case to Congress. Legislators do not know how their decisions affect museums if they don’t hear directly from you—the museums and people they represent. The resources and insights you’ll gain as a participant will help sustain your museum’s future and the future of the field.

What happened in 2020

Museums Advocacy Day 2020 was held Sunday through Tuesday, February 23–25, 2020, with an additional half-day event organized by ASTC on the morning of Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Read our recap and check out the action on social media with the hashtags #MuseumsAdvocacy and #MuseumsAdvocacy2020.

While on Capitol Hill, Advocates asked their members of Congress to support the many Federal agencies who fund STEM engagement programs and research. Download the STEM legislative brief.

Why you should join us in the future

Although ASTC and our partners work hard to speak on behalf of the community, YOU are the best advocate for science centers and museums. Here’s why you should join us in Washington, D.C. at a future Museums Advocacy Day:

  • As a constituent, you elect your Members of Congress—and they are most responsive to the needs of their voters.
  • You understand your local setting and can speak confidently about why museums are important to your community.

Participating in Museums Advocacy Day also has direct benefits to you and your institution:

  • Build relationships with your Members of Congress and their staff.
  • Connect with fellow museum advocates from your region and around the country.
  • Hear from Federal agency and nonprofit leaders and learn about new opportunities for partnership and funding.

You’ll also learn how inspiring, energizing, and impactful being an advocate can be—and come away with the training and tools to continue these efforts at the national, state, and local levels.

What can I expect at the next Museums Advocacy Day?

SundayArrive in DC, register, and pickup your materials
Attend bonus afternoon programs, including an “Issues Forum” (2:00-3:00 p.m.) and “What to Expect at Museums Advocacy Day” (3:30-5:00 p.m.)
Officially kick off the event with a welcome and networking reception (5:00-6:30 p.m.)
MondayLearn about pressing advocacy issues with a full day of speakers and concurrent sessions
Attend an evening reception for ASTC and Association of Children’s Museum (ACM) members
TuesdayMeet with your members of Congress on Capitol Hill (multiple meetings, all day)
Hear from Congressional champions and recap the day with your colleagues during a Capitol Hill reception (5:00-7:00 p.m.)
WednesdayDive deep into STEM education and engagement with a special half-day event, hosted by ASTC. In 2020, we brought together representatives from eight Federal agencies to share current and future opportunities for the science and technology center and museum field. Read the recap.

Travel, logistics, and registration

Registration for Museums Advocacy Day is managed by AAM, and includes a nominal fee. ASTC events are free and registration is available through myASTC.

In previous years, the networking reception, orientation, and briefings have been held at the Washington Plaza Hotel, located at 10 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005. AAM typically secures a block of rooms at a discounted rate.

The Washington, DC area is served by three airports:

  1. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – located 5 miles from hotel
  2. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – located 27 miles from hotel
  3. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) – located 32 miles from hotel

ASTC joins with AAM in making attendance at Museums Advocacy Day accessible for all.

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