Events

Feb 27, 2026 12:00PM—1:00PM Location Zoom (Open to current NYCMER members) Categories NYCMER Register: Zoom Registration (Open to active NYCMER Members and a +1, space is limited) Join us for a conversation on the Artificial Intelligence landscape and how it is currently being used to enhance museum visitor interaction. This virtual program will provide a general introduction of general trends and ethics in AI, a discussion on the role of AI in science learning and museum practice, and a case study of AI tools for visitor engagement from the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Whether you’re simply curious on how AI is impacting museum work, or are already using AI as a tool within your institution, this program will present participants with more information on its usage and possibilities. Participants are encouraged to submit questions before the event that our panelists will answer during the Q+A portion. Meet our special guests! Nick H. Kamboj is an AI Futurist, bestselling author of 9 non-fiction books, and trusted advisor whose fascination with artificial intelligence and robotics began when he wrote his first software program in elementary school and built his first robot in high school. A graduate of Columbia Law School, Harvard University, The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of London (law) and The University of Wisconsin – Madison, Nick has advised a range of organizations — from Apple and Disney to the Federal Reserve Bank and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — and served as a University of Chicago Booth School of Business Strategy Guest Lecturer for ten years. His expertise spans Robopsychology, Human-AI Co-existence, and Human Performance Enablement, making him a uniquely compelling voice for exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we think, work, teach, and learn together. Margaret Robinson is a public historian and the Manager of the Speakers Bureau at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and holds a master’s degree in public history from SUNY Empire State University. Margaret is passionate about sharing the stories of people from the past, and is deeply committed to preserving memory as an essential part of the historical record. Through her work, she helps bring survivors and descendants into conversation with students and communities, fostering personal connections to history. Analisa Duran has worked in the informal science education field for over a decade. She started her career in marine science education, working her way up from aquarium educator to education specialist, then education manager at a local aquarium. In those roles, she facilitated, managed, and led science camps, tours, early learning programs and more. Duran has facilitated and led science camps for the past 13 years, where she has learned best practices, both in teaching pedagogy and camper safety, to provide high quality educational camp programs. Duran holds a master’s degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in Science Education from Florida International University. Her research interests include the pedagogical practices and self-efficacy of museum educators. Not yet a member? Consider becoming a NYCMER member to view recordings of NYCMER programs, as well as access our full archive of resources, attend monthly professional development and networking events for free, purchase discounted admission to our annual conference, and more! Annual Individual Membership – $45 Annual Student Membership – $25 Institutional Membership (includes three memberships) – $110

Jan 26, 2026 1:30PM—2:30PM Location Zoom Categories NYCMER Join us for a virtual program to learn more about budgeting When: Monday, January 26, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Where: Zoom Cost: Free Register: Zoom Registration Join NYCMER for a practical introduction to understanding organizational finances. This virtual program will offer three separate breakout sessions, designed to support museum professionals at all stages of their careers—from learning basic budget language to gaining insights into the full lifecycle of a grant to those responsible for department-wide financial strategy. Participants will gain tools they can apply to their own work, whether they are managing a single program or overseeing an entire department, and provide you with the tools to navigate budgets with confidence. Entry Level: Introduction to Budget Basics – Veronica Miller, Manager of Education Programming, Bronx Zoo Learn essential financial terminology and understand how to build and manage a program budget using a basic margin sheet model. Mid Level: Grants Management Essentials – Lou Bankston, Manager of Grants, WCS Education, Wildlife Conservation Society Gain insights into the full lifecycle of a grant—from writing a strong application to navigating compliance and preparing a polished final report. Senior Level: Departmental Strategy & Long-Term Planning – Dr. Preeti Gupta, Director for Youth Learning and Research Explore how to manage a department through strategic oversight of programming, grants, and staffing. Learn how to create balanced, sustainable budgets that support long-range goals and organizational growth. Consider becoming a NYCMER member to view recordings of NYCMER programs, as well as access our full archive of resources, attend monthly professional development and networking events for free, purchase discounted admission to our annual conference, and more! Annual Individual Membership – $45 Annual Student Membership – $25 Institutional Membership (includes three memberships) – $110 Accessibility: NYCMER is committed to providing opportunities for all of our members to participate in our programs and engage with one another. Should you require accessibility services, such as live captioning, please contact info@nycmer.org as soon as possible. Stay Connected: Share your thoughts about this program via social media using #NYCMER. Follow NYCMER on Twitter , Instagram , and LinkedIn for updates about this and all other NYCMER programs.

Dec 16, 2025 6:00PM—8:30PM Location 150W17TH (150 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011)  Categories NYCMER

Feb 20, 2026 5:30PM—7:00PM Location The Milton (1754 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128) Categories Peer Group The museum world is small, but at the same time so large. Come for a brief after-hours networking to meet fellow educators/workers—a chance to relax, laugh, and relate. The ice-breaker question will be “How to deal with distractions.” RSVP to neurodiversepeergroup@gmail.com. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own food and drinks but dessert will be provided. Event Capacity: 10 Cost: Free, drinks and food will be self served Accessibility: The Milton is wheelchair accessible

Mar 04, 2026 12:00PM—1:00PM Location Zoom Cost Free Event Contact L aura Kujo, Early Childhood Peer Group Co-Leader | Email Categories Peer Group Register: Zoom (opens January 15) Event Capacity: 50 Categories Peer Group Join NYCMER’s Early Childhood Peer Group for a conversation facilitated by Dejá N. Santiago, Director of Education at Children’s Arts & Science Workshops, Inc. on the tension between freedom and structure in informal learning programs. We’ll explore ideas from the article “Rethinking Children’s Museum Learning and Experiences: New Perspectives and Challenges” alongside a case study of Club Fridays at the Bronx River Community Center, a program designed to empower children as co-creators of their own learning. Please read in advance: “ Rethinking Children’s Museum Learning and Experiences: New Perspectives and Challenges ” “ From Art to Action: Case Studies of Art-Science in Creative Practices ” (optional) Together, we’ll consider how competing demands—from funder expectations to community needs—shape program design, and how leaning into agency and imagination can transform engagement. Come ready to reimagine our roles and consider new possibilities for reciprocal, experimental, and joyful learning spaces for children, families and staff. Join the Early Childhood Peer Group to exchange ideas about audience development, program evaluation, pedagogy, professional development, programs for early childhood, family audiences, and more.

Mar 19, 2026 6:00PM—7:00PM Location Zoom Cost Free Categories Peer Group This is the beginning of a new series in which senior leadership from various institutions will discuss their management styles, particularly in relation to neurodiverse employees. They will discuss how they can create an environment that fosters employee growth and development. This program is beneficial for individuals who want to understand the best work environment for themselves, as well as for those applying for a leadership role and seeking to learn more about various management styles. Speaker: Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives, Intrepid Museum. Email neurodiversepeergroup@gmail.com to register and receive the Zoom link. Closed captioning will be provided. The term neurodivergent has been around for many years. In recent years, it’s come to the forefront, with more people understanding and identifying as neurodivergent. Come to a peer group with fellow educators/museum workers who identify as neurodivergent. A safe space to discuss how we are each feeling professionally, train together, and share readings, tours and even games.

Apr 23, 2026 6:00PM—7:30PM Location New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza (First floor The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave & E 92nd St, New York, 10128 Categories NYCMER, Peer Group When: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6:00-7:30 PM Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave & E 92nd St, New York, 10128 Located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s landmarked Warburg mansion, The Jewish Museum is one of the world’s oldest and leading institutions dedicated to illuminating the complexity and vibrancy of Jewish culture, history, and identity through art. In October 2025, the museum unveiled a major renovation of its third and fourth floors, including the new Pruzan Family Center for Learning—a 7,000-square-foot education space designed to deepen visitor engagement with its unique collection of nearly 30,000 artworks and ceremonial objects spanning more than 4,000 years. The center seamlessly integrates exhibition galleries with hands-on learning environments, inviting visitors to explore Jewish history and culture through activities such as art-making studios, interactive installations, and a simulated archaeological dig for children. The museum’s education department offers diverse programs, including guided tours, workshops, educator professional development, family activities, and school partnerships, connecting audiences of all ages with themes of identity, culture, and community, fostering dialogue and understanding through dynamic and participatory experiences. This visit combines a NYCMember tour and an Early Childhood Education Peer Group event at The Jewish Museum. The group will be divided into two tours with distinct focuses: one exploring behind-the-scenes insights into the museum’s K–12, family, and adult educational programs, and the other concentrating on early childhood education as experienced by the peer group. Visitors will engage with the museum’s rich collection and innovative learning environments, gaining a deeper understanding of how the museum fosters connection to Jewish culture and history across different age groups. The event also includes an art-making session in the museum’s dedicated art studio, offering a hands-on creative experience that complements the educational themes of both tours. Cost: Free and open to NYCMER Members. Space is limited. Not yet a member? CLICK HERE to see NYCMER’s membership options.