2024-2029 Strategic Plan

Curiosity

We respect and seek out different perspectives to enhance our understanding of events in history. Various perspectives provide richness and depth in our programs and activities.

To achieve a breadth of cultural perspectives we must listen attentively and solicit and respectfully incorporate nontraditional versions of history in programs and exhibits.

Collaboration

We partner with the greater community to understand needs, address concerns, foster inclusivity, and provide compelling programs and materials.

We reflect a collaborative approach when we graciously accept input even if it changes the focus or meaning of a program or initiative and engage in respectful dialogue to clarify understanding.

Stewardship

As stewards of historic facilities and archives, we are entrusted with the responsibility to manage these resources for the benefit of the community. We are trusted when others believe in and are willing to rely on our integrity and ability.

To be worthy of trust we must consistently adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards; collaborate with those we serve as we make our decisions; and communicate clearly, forthrightly, and fully.

Strategic Priorities and Goals

Operate With Excellence and Creativity

Pursue museum best standards and practices for collections care

Optimize collection storage methods within physical and financial constraints
Follow standards for data gathering, storage, and security to enhance the intellectual care of collections
Digitize sensitive and/or high-value collection items for long-term preservation and increased public access
Responsibly facilitate and manage public access to historical resources in the museum’s care
Pursue best practice for safe and secure display of collection items in rotating museum exhibits

Manage facilities for enduring use

Maintain the 1913 Gresham Carnegie Library in accordance with standards for National Register listed properties
Restore the physical integrity and historic authenticity of the 1931 Zion Church
Manage the grounds surrounding both buildings to enhance their beauty, sustainability, and invitingness
Tie historic buildings together physically and/or conceptually

Establish and follow internal standards of operation

Create and biannually audit core documents including disaster plan, collections management policy and plan, interpretive plan, bylaws, code of conduct, and policies and procedures
Educate staff, board, and volunteers about core documents and how all are responsible for upholding them
Seek new ways to activate organizational mission, vision, and values

Engage the Community in Events and Programs

Develop and provide meaningful, equitable education activities

Continue to offer professionally written and curated exhibits on a variety of topics and themes in Gresham-area history, at no cost to the public
Engage the public, particularly children, with supplementary activities
Leverage the resources in the museum collection and archives to make history tangible to our audience
Pursue new opportunities for collaboration with diverse local and regional groups to deliver high quality programming
Seek new ways to reach our community, including online and traveling exhibits

Conduct programs with rigorous standards

Offer free and low-cost opportunities for all ages to engage with history around our community, including tours of Downtown Gresham and local cemeteries
Host and facilitate educational speaker programs, inviting speakers from diverse backgrounds

Provide fulfilling and purposeful opportunities for volunteers

Foster professional development through volunteering and internships
Integrate volunteer opportunities in all programs and operation levels to attract and engage volunteers of all interests and backgrounds

Enhance the Museum's Impact and Resources

Secure GHS’s financial future through strategic development

Pursue grants for strategic initiatives in keeping with the above goals
Cultivate and increase member/donor base through outreach and attentive stewardship
Seek opportunities to obtain a proportional share of funding from the OHS Levy
Increase the profile of the Museum Store by inventory building and active promotion

Conduct engaging fundraising events

Build on the success of existing yearly fundraisers, including the Plant Sale, Speakeasy, and Christmas at the Museum
Pursue new opportunities and partnerships to bring a breadth of activities to the public

Broaden access to GHS’s resources

Expand online presence by maintaining an informative and professional website
Stimulate interest in local history and museum programs through regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms
Improve methods for online and onsite research

Expand our virtual audience through creative and compelling web content

Continue to develop and promote the Voices of Gresham podcast to explore themes in the community’s lived history
Develop presence on YouTube with engaging video series, including mini-documentaries and interviews
Expand and cultivate online collections via Northwest Digital Heritage public portal

Advocate for historic preservation at the local level

Recommend properties to Gresham Historic Resources Subcommittee for local register
Stay apprised of threats to historic buildings, properties, and landscapes
Inform public of advocacy opportunities