THC Sessions – 2026

Dr. Jenn and LaShell are happy to announce that we will be presenting two sessions at the Texas Historical Commission on April 9 & 10, 2026.

For organizations across Texas—especially small museums, Main Street programs, and heritage nonprofits—this moment feels urgent. Volunteer models are shifting. Funding expectations are tightening. Economic uncertainty is real. And organizational sustainability can no longer be left to chance.

We are bringing two sessions grounded in practical, small-museum experience and designed for leaders navigating today’s realities.

Volunteerism is not disappearing—it is evolving.

Small towns and heritage organizations are often still operating with recruitment and retention models built for a different era. Meanwhile, volunteers today are seeking flexibility, meaningful engagement, skills-based opportunities, and accessibility.

This session blends:

• On-the-ground strategies from Elgin’s Main Street program
• Research and field-tested tools from the Collin County Farm Museum
• Insights into shifting motivations, time commitments, and accessibility needs

Participants will explore how to:

• Move beyond outdated “traditional” volunteer structures
• Design flexible, inclusive engagement pathways
• Respect modern volunteer realities while meeting real organizational needs
• Build a sustainable volunteer ecosystem—not just fill slots

For those following our Shifting Volunteer Expectations work, this session continues that conversation at a statewide level.

If volunteerism is about people, organizational readiness is about infrastructure.

Organizational readiness refers to an institution’s capacity, resources, and cultural preparedness to successfully implement change—whether launching a new program, undertaking a capital campaign, or navigating crisis.

This session addresses why readiness is no longer optional.

In a time of:

• Economic uncertainty
• Increased competition for grants and donations
• Rising expectations for accessibility and inclusion
• Rapid digital transformation

Leaders must ask: Are we truly ready?

Attendees will leave with actionable tools to:

• Assess organizational capacity and culture
• Strengthen readiness for strategic planning and program expansion
• Prepare for accessibility improvements and digital transformation
• Improve disaster preparedness and succession planning
• Build resilience before—not during—a crisis

This work connects directly to our ongoing “It’s Just Me” and organizational resilience frameworks, created specifically for small museums operating with limited staff and resources.