The Winedale Museum Seminar on Administration and Interpretation is a ten-day intensive study in the basics of museum management and operation. The seminar is designed to improve the quality and continued development of museum professionals from all types of museums and cultural institutions.

The seminar consists of sessions on a wide variety of topics including administration, trustee relations, grant writing, volunteer management, historical photographs, object research, material culture, public programming, living history, use of computers, marketing, program evaluation, design and fabrication of exhibits, security, and conservation of collections.

Participants live dormitary style at the Winedale Historical Center, a beautiful, rural area of central Texas located between Austin and Houston. The peaceful country setting of the Historical Center creates an ambiance noted for enhancing concentration on seminar issues. Isolated from the pressures and stress of the workplace, particpants are able to focus on their studies. Many of the topics covered during the seminar make use of the historic structures and artifacts of the Center as a "hands-on" learning tool.

Participating in the seminar is not a vacation. Classes begin early in the morning and last until early evening. Once the days instruction is over, it is time for the chores to begin. Each participant is assigned to a committe, with each group having specific duties to perform. Working within each committee helps to test and sharpen leadership skills and improve knowledge of group dynamics. Participants will also establish professional contacts and networks, and create new, lasting friendships.

Applicants for the seminar must be professional staff members of museums or historical organizations. Enrollment is limited to 20. A registration fee of $550 covers the cost of room and board, a seminar manual, and all classroom materials. Applications may be obtained by contacting Kit Neumann at the Texas Historical Commission (P.O. Box 12276, Austin, Texas 78711), 512-463-5756, or by e-mail at [email protected].