The Museum Group's Origin Story

In 1995, Elaine Heumann Gurian gathered a group of newly independent museum professionals to form The Museum Group (TMG). Each had years of senior-level experience inside museums, and they knew-and admired-each other’s work.
At the time, the museum field had little history with consultants. Categorized as “vendors,” independents were barred from holding office or presenting conference sessions-despite their desire to contribute to the field.
This conversation reveals early challenges for independents-and the political strategy that gave TMG a presence and voice within the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
Elaine Heumann Gurian, Maureen Robinson, Mary Ellen Munley, Daryl Fischer, and Laura Roberts share stories with Paul Orselli about the group’s collaborative, generous spirit; trends in museums and society that contributed to TMG’s success; the reputation TMG earned over the years; and the factors that led to its graceful disbanding in 2024.