Museum to implement new strategic plan

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham Museum is ready to implement a new strategic plan for 2026 through 2028 after the document was approved by city commissioners during the Monday, December 15, meeting.

Museum director Leslie Pielack explained that the 2026 to 2028 strategic plan update came about after the city’s museum board reviewed best practices in the industry along with current trends. She said part of the process also included looking at the ordinance, what the museum’s mission requires and what the community is looking for right now.

Another part of developing the updated plan included community feedback. Pielack stated that the museum board established three priorities, reflecting their review of the different factors, and used those priorities in a survey. Included in the final plan document, the survey collected input from 155 residents, and Pielack stated sentiment was generally supportive of the priorities.

The focuses established through the three priorities included observing best practices for long-term preservation and care of the museum, using the museum to encourage greater equity and inclusion for the benefit of the community, and strengthening collaborative relationships in the community.

Pielack also explained that the plan calls for review about every three years, so the museum board will review and discuss ongoing progress at future meetings. With little discussion from the commission, the plan was unanimously approved in a 7-0 vote.