What We Do

The Museum Management Program (MMP):

• Supports development and coordination of service-wide policies, standards, and procedures for managing museum collections, including natural, cultural, archival and manuscript materials.

• Provides staff advice, technical assistance, and professional development pertaining to museum collections acquisition, documentation, preservation, protection, use, and disposal for the National Park Service.

• Develops and maintains a service-wide catalog and other statistics on museum collections.

Specific Functions include:

• Policy Guidance and Program Strategy: Policy and procedure development and review; Strategic planning; Development and coordination of collections management initiatives and funding; General park planning review

• Technical Information and Assistance: Publication and dissemination of technical information; Product research and procurement assistance for museum supplies and equipment; Management of Clearinghouse services to assist parks in acquisition and deaccessioning; Management of office art collection for the Washington Office

• Information Management: Data collection and analysis; Development and support for automated collections management systems; Maintenance of electronic and paper archives of the NPS National Catalog

• Public Relations: Marketing strategy and public relations development; Promotion of heritage education and public access to collections information through various media; Partnership development; Response to public inquiries; Liaison with national and international professional organizations, governments, press and partners
• Professional Development: Training needs analysis and curriculum development; Professional development and staffing strategic planning and programs; Dissemination of museum management news and training announcements through various media