Profile profile for macarthurm

Matthew MacArthur

Program Director, Digital Experience
Education and Impact

M.A. in History, Claremont Graduate University
B.A. in American Studies, University of Oregon

Role in Museum: 

In my capacity I oversee the Museum's program of digital outreach via our website, blog, and social media. Our department works with staff from across the Museum to develop ideas, create compelling content, and deliver products that reach wide and varied audiences on multiple platforms. I also think about the Museum’s digital strategy—how we can further the Museum’s mission by leveraging our rich collections and expert staff to create more engaging, multidirectional experiences that promote a deeper understanding of American history.

Projects: 

In addition to the continued dissemination of first-rate history content, we have been experimenting with ways to increase both the quality and quantity of story sharing about the American experience—both from the Museum's perspective, and that of our visitors. This has led to a number of initiatives that make use of various social media, increased use of video and other visual media, and planning for future museum experiences and spaces that incorporate social technologies.

Awards, Honors, and Special Recognition: 

Participant, 2010-11 Smithsonian Leadership Development Program

Professional Affiliations: 

American Association of Museums Media & Technology Committee

Publications

"Get Real! The Role of Objects in the Digital Age." In Letting Go? Sharing Historical Authority in a User-Generated World, ed. Bill Adair, Benjamin Filene, and Laura Koloski. Philadelphia: Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, 2011.

Examines the respective merits of physical and digital museum objects for purposes of research, education, and emotional connection.

"Small Towns and Big Cities: How Museums Foster Community On-line," in J. Trant and D. Bearman (eds). Museums and the Web 2010: Proceedings. Toronto: Archives & Museum Informatics.

Borrowing terminology from German sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies, this paper uses the archetypal qualities inherent in traditional village life (Gemeinschaft) vs. life in big cities (Gesellschaft) as a framework for understanding museum approaches to on-line community.

Read the paper online
"Do We Need a Social Media Policy?" Museum (American Association of Museums), November-December 2010

This contribution to the magazine's "You Asked for It" department answers common questions about museums and social media policies.

"Museums Remixed." Exhibitionist (National Association for Museum Exhibition), Fall 2007.

Recaps and restates principles discussed in two "Museums Remixed" sessions presented at the 2007 AAM annual conference.

“Can Museums Allow Online Users to Become Participants?” In The Digital Museum: A Think Guide, ed. Herminia Din and Phyllis Hecht. Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 2007.
“Web 2.0 and Museums.” History News (American Association for State and Local History), Autumn 2007.

Explains the basics of Web 2.0 and what benefits user participation might hold for museums.

“Building a Robust and Fully-Integrated Web Program.” In Museums and the Web 2006: Proceedings, ed. J. Trant and D. Bearman. Toronto: Archives & Museum Informatics, 2006. http://www.archimuse.com/mw2006/papers/macarthur/macarthur.html.

Describes the factors involved in building a successful online strategy and designing a museum Web site.

“Electronic Outreach at the National Museum of American History.” The Federalist (Society for History in the Federal Government), Fall 2006.

A summary of electronic outreach offerings at the Museum.