STEPS-IMA is the culmination of an evolution of in-person workshops that the Iowa Museum Association has been providing for over a decade.

As the leading authority on the museum industry in Iowa since 1976, the Iowa Museum Association (IMA) has long offered a range of programs to support museums across the state in building organizational capacity. These programs have included individual workshops, mentoring opportunities, best practices training, and an annual conference, among others.

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 accelerated the IMA’s transition from in-person to on-line learning.  This transition included implementation of a free monthly learning opportunity, IMA Plugged-In, the third Monday of each month, and a free weekly informal networking opportunity, Colleague Conversations.  Conferences and workshops were also provided on-line in 2020 and 2021.

Throughout 2021 a working group met regularly to discuss how IMA wanted to present the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) STEPS curriculum – not only content, but look, feel, and accessibility. 

The framework for the six modules was designed by Dr. Heidi Lung, President, Iowa Museum Association.

The working group consisted of Dr. Heidi Lung, Casie Vance, Jennifer Kovarik, Angela Stanford, and Cynthia Sweet.

About STEPS-IMA

STEPS-IMA is an opportunity for small and mid-size history organizations to grow toward best practices using a nationally recognized curriculum and with the support of a cohort, mentors, and the Iowa Museum Association staff.

STEPS-IMA is presented as six on-line modules in synchronous and asynchronous format, increasing accessibility for small and mid-size organizations across Iowa. STEPS-IMA uses presentations, guided organizational activities, and individual mentorship, all aligning with the AASLH STEPS curriculum, to support organizations moving toward basic, good, and better practices.

The Iowa Museum Association has been moving toward this program for many years. Cynthia Sweet, Executive Director of the Iowa Museum Association, said, “IMA began exploring establishing a STEPS learning group in Iowa almost fifteen years ago. It took time to build infrastructure and capacity so that IMA could successfully deliver this training. IMA achieved a significant milestone when our first cohort began meeting in January 2022.”

The decision to move forward in establishing STEPS-IMA was made after consultation with the Utah Humanities Council that offers STEPS-UT with other partners. Advice and council offered during these productive conversations underpin the decision of the IMA Board to establish STEPS-IMA.

STEPS-IMA assists the IMA in fulfilling its mission to build capacity, heighten awareness of the field, and foster community within and among Iowa museums and their communities. It promotes best practices and increase sustainability among Iowa museums.  It provides an avenue for collaboration among cohort members.

A cohort consists of up to 12 individuals who work through six modules together over 24 months. The cost to participate is $150 per module, for a total of $900 per person. From time to time scholarships are available, or sponsor support enables cohort members to attend at no charge.

For more information, please contact the Iowa Museum Association, at 319.239.2236 or Director@iowamuseums.org