The Museums Association of Montana (MAM) announces the retirement of Executive Director Deb Mitchell after her dedicated service of 16 years. Coinciding with her retirement from the Montana Historical Society, Mitchell has accepted a new position as the Executive Director of WorldMontana.

Mitchell expressed mixed emotions about leaving MAM, stating, "It is hard for me to come to the realization that I am no longer part of the Museums Association of Montana organization. These people have been my second family for the last 16 years. Retiring was a hard decision to make, but as I told the board, you are not rid of me completely…yet."

Having retired from the Montana Historical Society earlier this year after 23 years of service, Mitchell felt it was time to pass on her role as Executive Director of MAM. She commended the board members for their passion and expertise, assuring that Montana's museums are in capable hands.

Reflecting on her journey with MAM, Mitchell shared valuable lessons she learned. She emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and being able to laugh at yourself. Encouraging others to remember that “you are Never! Ever! Going to please everyone,” Mitchell highlighted the significance of never taking it personally. She stressed the power of saying no, knowing personal limitations, and always putting family first.

Though retiring, Mitchell reassured the museum community that her commitment to advocating for museums and offering support remains unwavering, urging them to reach out to her for any assistance. Expressing her gratitude, Mitchell said, "I am truly blessed to have worked with all of you."

The Museums Association of Montana extends its heartfelt appreciation to Deb Mitchell for her outstanding contributions, dedication, and leadership – and would like to assure her that she will always be part of MAM.

About the Museums Association of Montana: The Museums Association of Montana (MAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the museum profession and fostering collaboration among museums in Montana. MAM supports museum professionals and volunteers through educational programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Montana's rich cultural heritage.

Helena, Montana The Museums Association of Montana has received $5,000 through Humanities Montana’s CARES grant program. This rapid-response funding provides general operating support to cultural organizations in the state that have been affected by the COVID-19 health crisis. “Humanities Montana understands the importance of the survival of Montana’s cultural institutions and museums across the state. We can always be assured that they are on top of things and they realize how important this funding is for Montana’s heritage keepers.’” says Deb Mitchell, Executive Director of MAM. The funds are part of the CARES Act passed by Congress in March. The $2 trillion aid package included $75 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities, approximately $30 million of which was sent to fifty-six state and territorial humanities councils to redistribute to humanities nonprofit organizations in need. The state humanities councils were chosen to distribute these funds because of their wellestablished relationships with museums, historical societies, libraries, and cultural institutions that are the cornerstones of some of the most vulnerable and hardest to reach communities. Humanities Montana is Montana's state humanities council with a mission to serve communities through stories and conversation. We offer experiences that nurture imagination and ideas by speaking to Montanans’ diverse history, literature, and philosophy. Established in 1972, we are one of fifty-six councils across the nation that the National Endowment for the Humanities created in order to better infuse the humanities directly and effectively into public life. We produce, fund, create, and support humanities-based projects and programs, eye-opening cultural experiences, and meaningful conversations. For more information, please call Museums Association of Montana at 1-406-444-4789.

The Museums Association of Montana is pleased to announce that we have received funding through the Montana Coronavirus Relief Social Services Nonprofit Grant. These grant funds are distributed thanks to Section 601 (a) of the Social Security Act as added by Section 501 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act. The CARES Act established the Coronavirus Relief Fund and appropriated $150 billion to the fund. Under the CARES Act, the State of Montana is tasked with distributing these funds to Montana Non-Profits to offset the financial hardships encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Museums Association of Montana is a 501 c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Montana’s Museum community. They conduct an annual conference, educational workshops, provide technical expertise, and advocate for all Montana Museums.