The Value Exchange: Museums and Their Context

Today, most cultural institutions realize they are part of a complex and interrelated universe, a community of service and influence. Dynamic museums now participate in a self‐conscious value exchange with other entities in their community context. The guiding principle: Provide value first before support is sought. This paper explores the evolution of a value exchange agenda at the Henry Ford Museum as part of a larger, 10‐year strategy for transformation to a multi‐day, multi‐venue national history attraction. The Ford agenda focused on economic value, educational initiatives, and enhanced community consciousness. Working for the community gives us purpose and value and suggests that we, too, can change the world, a little at a time, for the better.