Uniting non-cultural community organizations with museums through collaborative programming

Since the second half of the twentieth century, United States museums have become increasingly involved with their local communities. One way that museums have become closer to their communities is by working with non-cultural community organizations to develop educational programs for adults, children, and other distinct audiences. This thesis explores the historical background of collaborative programming in museums, as well as four specific cases of collaborative efforts involving museums and local organizations--three which involve particular United States museums and the community groups with whom they are involved, and one which explores the use of an agency as a broker for a museum and an organization who wish to develop a joint program. Each case was analyzed using organizational literature, community project documentation and interviews with key personnel. This thesis concludes with a set of general guidelines that museums and community organizations may use to form public programs together.