ROCHESTER, NY, June 15, 2021 – The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is working with the Utah Division of Arts & Museums to study the social impact museums have in communities and assist in refining a tool to evaluate social impact for the museum field.
After receiving a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, in partnership with Thanksgiving Point, selected museums across the country to participate in the Measurement of Museum Social Impact (MOMSI) project. After a competitive application and review process, RMSC was one of 38 museums in the country selected for the study.
Social impact is the effect of an activity on the social fabric of a community and the well-being of those who live there. This study will measure social impact through strengthened relationships, health and well-being, continued education and engagement, and intercultural competency.
Working with the MOMSI team in Utah, the RMSC will recruit and survey visitors from the local Rochester community. The data collected will inform the RMSC of its social impact and will provide new data about the museum field which will validate previous findings and contribute to further studies.
“It’s incredibly important for the RMSC to contribute to national and even global museum research. The information that we gather in Rochester can be valuable for museums everywhere. Being part of the MOMSI project is exciting because, through this work, we’re helping to shape and transform the future of the museum field,” said Hillary Olson, President and CEO of the RMSC.
In addition to contributing to further research in the field, the RMSC is particularly interested in how this data can inform staff and leadership about how the Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium, and Cumming Nature Center can better serve the diverse communities in Rochester and beyond.
“We want people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to come to the RMSC and be inspired to explore what makes them curious,” said Calvin Uzelmeier, Director of Featured Content, Exhibition Support, and Special Projects at RMSC. “The data from this study will help us learn what’s working, what may not be working, and how we can improve our overall outreach to the many communities we serve.”
