Do Museums Matter? Hangerbee in the News, Downsizing Heirlooms, & More

Why Museums Matter

This month I’m focusing on the big question: Why Museums Matter. I recently had a wonderful conversation on the Exhibitsmith podcast with Nathan Kemler, Director of Galleries and Collections at the Grand Valley State University Art Museum in Michigan, about Why Museums Matter (and why they still matter). We talked about how museums in the 21st century can't just open their doors and expect people to visit like they could in the past. Today's museum visitors have different reasons for visiting - or not visiting - museums, and Nathan shared some of the creative, unique, and inspiring ways that he and his staff reach out to both the university community and the general public to make everyone feel invited, welcome, and seen.

The museum community has discussed this topic for years - at conferences, in articles, and online - but I still believe that at its core, society at large knows that museums do matter. There’s just a lot more competition for our time (and dollars) these days. We’re also interested in a broader variety of stories and experiences, which means that today’s museums need to rise to the occasion.

One thing we shouldn’t worry about, however, is that “kids these days” just won’t care about museums or history or having cool, authentic experiences. “Kids these days” are just like kids… from other days. I recently re-released a podcast episode from season one, renamed “Typewriters and Tweens” that shares a story about this that might surprise you. The story I tell has stuck with me for two decades and remains one of my favorite museum experiences ever. I hope you’ll give it a listen.

Exhibitsmith the podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. It’s also available from my website, Exhibitsmith.com, as well as at https://exhibitsmith.podbean.com/.

Hangerbee in House Digest

Hangerbee was recently mentioned on HouseDigest.com in "Hanger Types You Need For Every Item of Clothing In Your Closet". Thank you to House Digest for including us! Read the article here and find all our press on our newly designed Press Page.

How to Downsize Heirlooms

Downsizing heirlooms, collectibles, and personal treasures can be extremely difficult for a number of reasons. I developed an entertaining, thought-provoking, and helpful program to help people understand not only how to get started but also reach their goals.

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, I invite you to check out my upcoming "Downsizing Heirlooms and Collectibles" program. This event has been very popular over the past year and a half and I hope you consider signing up. For more information and to register, please visit the Course Listing on the Main Line School Night website.

Downsizing Heirlooms and Collectibles
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
7:00-8:30 PM

Lower Merion High School
315 E Montgomery Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003

I would love to talk to your group, whether in-person or online. For more about me and my programs, please visit www.exhibitsmith.com and email me today! - Lindsey

Our Closet Essentials

Believe it or not, fall is almost here and so is sweater weather. As you're unpacking your chunky knits and cozy coats for autumn and winter, I invite you to check out how Hangerbee hangers can keep your clothes looking fresh and ready-to-wear all year long.

Our customers swear by our museum-quality, hand-assembled padded clothing hangers, high-quality, cotton garment bags, and preservation essentials to keep their sweaters, coats, wedding gowns, and all sorts of garments safe from shoulder bumps, dusty creases, and more. Here's what a couple recent customers had to say: