Post by Crystal Bowyer

Came away from Washington, DC this week feeling energized and optimistic after participating in the American Alliance of Museums' Advocacy Days alongside museum leaders from across the country. It was a powerful reminder that museums are not just places we visit — they are essential civic institutions that educate, connect, and strengthen communities. I had the opportunity to represent both Madison Children's Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, alongside Maria Jose Espinoza, sharing how hands-on learning environments support families, partner with schools, and help build the next generation of creative thinkers and problem-solvers. The week also included a productive meeting of the Association of Children's Museums Board of Trustees. As Chair of ACM's Advocacy Committee, I was grateful to work with President and CEO Arthur G. Affleck, III for months to ensure the field was prepared for this important week. Together we met with Republican and Democratic members of the Congressional Museum Caucus to hear their ideas for how we could make the most of our advocacy work. At a time when trusted spaces for learning, connection, and shared experiences matter more than ever, museums deliver — strengthening communities, sparking curiosity, and opening doors to opportunity every single day. Arthur G. Affleck, III Joe Cox Putter Bert Dene' Mosier Atiba Edwards Tifferney White Gretchen Kerr Charlayne Murrell-Smith Caroline Payson Jonathan Foerster Felipe Peña III Maggie Lancaster Sarah Cole #MuseumsAdvocacy #AAMAdvocacyDays #ChildrensMuseums #STEMEducation #MuseumsMatter