I’m happy to share the Michigan State University Museum’s Annual Report for the 2023-2024 academic year, showcasing a year filled with innovation, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to both our campus and broader communities. Our commitment to advancing student and faculty success, research, and community engagement remains stronger than ever.

Empowering Learning through Experience

At MSU Museum, we take pride in being a catalyst for creativity and learning. As Michigan’s first Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums, our institution continues to offer unparalleled learning opportunities. This year, we prioritized hands-on experiences for our students, helping them apply their knowledge in practical settings. You can explore more about these transformative experiences on pages 6-7 of our report.

By offering our students the chance to engage directly with exhibitions and artifacts, they develop critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom. Whether it’s through curation, research, or program and product design, students are at the forefront of shaping our Museum’s future. Their work is essential to the Museum’s mission of creating dynamic educational spaces that advance student success.

Supporting Faculty and Research Excellence

Our Museum is not only a place for students; it’s a hub for faculty innovation and cutting-edge research. This year, we supported faculty in both teaching and sharing their groundbreaking research with the public. The Museum continues to serve as a space where ideas are transformed into meaningful exhibits and educational opportunities that spark conversations. Read more about our faculty partnerships and contributions on pages 8-9.

A Community Hub for All

The MSU Museum continues to serve as vital social infrastructure, acting as a “third place” where people from diverse backgrounds come together to connect, learn, and engage. Our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) drives our mission to co-create with the communities we serve, ensuring our programs and exhibitions reflect the voices and experiences of all. Through partnerships with campus and community organizations, we foster a space that welcomes everyone and advances cultural understanding, while ensuring accessibility for individuals of all abilities. By being a bridge between communities, the MSU Museum is more than a destination—it’s a cornerstone of social connection and learning. Details of these efforts can be found on pages 10-11.

Leading in the Museum Sector

We are proud to say that MSU Museum is recognized not only locally but also nationally. Our staff members are key players in the museum sector, contributing their expertise at national conferences, in publications, and on advisory panels. Their leadership helps to shape the future of museums across the country, and we highlight their contributions on pages 14-15.

Looking Ahead: A Bold Future

As we look to the future, we are excited to announce a major development for our museum—a $28 million renovation, made possible by generous contributions, including a landmark gift from the Forest Akers Trust. This renovation will transform the MSU Museum into an even more immersive learning environment, with state-of-the-art spaces that will further enhance our educational mission.

These upgrades are a testament to the community’s belief in the power of museums to inspire, educate, and connect people. This bold new vision for our museum will ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation in education and community engagement for years to come.

Gratitude for Your Support

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported the MSU Museum. Your contributions, whether as visitors, donors, or partners, are what make our work possible. Together, we will continue to build on this year’s successes and shape the future of museum education and engagement.

For a comprehensive look at our achievements and upcoming projects, you can access the full PDF version of our Annual Report for 2023-2024 below.