Beverly Sheppard

About Beverly Sheppard

After 30+ years of working with museums and other non-profit learning institutions, I am now working on selective projects that allow me to focus on the role of museums as essential learning resources and as critical institutions in the lives of their communities. In that role, I have recently accepted the role of interim director at Chester County Historical Society, a remarkable institution that preserves and shares regional history from 1682 to the present. I continue to be engaged with a variety of museums and non profits as they explore their role as essential learning resources in the communities they serve. I am particularly enjoying working with museum designers and planners as an \"audience advocate\"- bringing an understanding of how people learn in museums to the planning process. The breadth of my professional background has taken me across the country into museums of all types and sizes. It has given me the full range of administrative experiences in museum settings, insight into the impact of museums, and a powerful commitment to their welfare and sustainability. Since my background is particularly rich in understanding the educational role of museums and their increasing potential for building social capital, I have strong interest in documenting how museums impact both individuals and communities. My new work will draw from these many years of experience to support and enrich individual museums and associations as they strengthen their public service. Independent Strategic and Interpretive Planner for Museums and other non profits Former President and CEO, Institute for Learning Innovation Former President and CEO, Old Sturbridge Village Associate Director, Chester County Historical Society Former Board member, AAM Former Council member, AASLH Co-editor, An Alliance of Spirit: Museum and School Partnerships Co-author, Thriving in the Knowledge Age Editor, Building Museum and School Partnerships Specialties: Interpretive and strategic planning for museums. Integration of learning principles with design. Meeting Facilitation Building community collaborations Writing and speaking on museum issues

Experience

1. Interim President

   Chester County History Center

   Jul 2019 — Present · West Chester, PA

   Through my work as principal at BKS Consulting, I have taken on the role of chief executive at Chester County Historical Society, managing and guiding CCHS through a transition between directors.

Education

• Bucknell University

  B.A., Art, English

  1959 — 1962

• Marywood University

  M.A. Art, Studio art

  1971 — 1975