Past Special Initiatives 

Leaders of the Future and Strategic Foresight

The Foresight Committee was an outcome of the Leaders of the Future program. The committee members researched current trends and facilitated discussion to define strategies for a more sustainable future. To learn more, see Future Trends. As of 2020, the Foresight Committee was absorbed by CAM's new Strategic Action Committee.    


California Networks for Collaboration

Twelve partnering organizations examined how museum associations and other service providers can adopt collaborative learning strategies for the benefit of the California museum field. The vision was a cohesive and networked professional community working towards a more relevant future for museums in a changing California. For more information, see California Networks for Collaboration and Knowledge Products. As of 2020, the California Networks for Collaboration is operating as the California Networks Council. 


Museums United Phase 2

Museums United was a convening of representatives from 46 state museum associations in March 2014, co-sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This was a significant event in defining the purpose of state museum associations. CAM was awarded a two-year grant from IMLS to support the second phase of Museums United. The desired, overall outcomes of Museums United Phase 2 were: (1) a strengthened national network of state museum associations and (2) the enhanced capacity of state museum associations to serve museums and museum professionals. For more information, see Museums United Phase 2.   


California Connecting to Collections Project

CAM was awarded a Connecting to Collections implementation grant by the Institute for Museum and Library Services in 2010 to administer a two-year, statewide preservation information, education, and training project for California heritage institutions. In partnership with the California Preservation Program, Balboa Art Conservation Center, California Historical Society, California State Archives, California State Library, California State Parks, California Library Association, and other partners, this project served as a test bed for an ongoing service, whose goal will be to develop a self-sustaining culture of preservation management. This project continued through 2015 with funding from The Getty Foundation and workshops are available to museum, library, archive, and historical society personnel.