Hello, What can i do for you?
My name is John Summers and I'm the owner of Canadian Museum Services. I have worked as an educator, curator, exhibit developer, manager and director in small to medium-sized museums in Canada and the United States. From strategy to collections to interpretation, I can help you achieve your goals with relevant, practical and cost-effective solutions to the unique challenges faced by small museums.
recent projects
COMMUNITY COLLECTIONS DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE LINCOLN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTRE
Like many small museums across Ontario, we are constantly seeking ways to manage our collection that serve our community today and preserve its heritage for future generations. Working with John was an absolute pleasure. His thoughtful and thorough assessment of our museum’s collection, and his insight into the needs of other heritage organizations in our town, enabled us to develop a community collections development plan that is both innovative and sustainable.
I learned a great deal simply by observing John’s process. His ability to think deeply at both the macro, institutional level and the day-to-day, job-specific level was truly impressive. He fundamentally changed the way I think about approaching, curating, and growing our collection. I highly recommend John’s services to any small museum or heritage organization looking to strengthen their collections strategy.
Adam Montgomery
Curator of Collections and Exhibitions
INTERPRETIVE MASTER PLAN FOR THE GREAT LAKES MUSEUM IN KINGSTON ONTARIO
Our decision to engage Canadian Museum Services was driven by our organization’s rapid growth and the need to reimagine and improve our visitor experience. John’s process for the Working Group was thoughtful, efficient and we were extremely satisfied with his expertise and professionalism. We now have a superior Interpretive Master Plan with goals mapping out our next five years’ actions. Working with John was a great pleasure and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Bep Schippers
Executive Director
my award-winning exhibit development book
What Reviewers say:
"Creating Exhibits that Engage: A Manual for Museums and Historical Organizations provides an excellent and needed manual that puts together all the disparate parts in a cohesive and intelligent way . . . I most definitely recommend this useful manual as an excellent addition to the how-to shelf of any exhibition marker's library." (Exhibition, published by the American Alliance of Museums)
"As museums struggle to compete for audiences in a rapidly changing and competitive world, creative exhibits allow visitors to think, participate, create, and interact with a space where they are challenged and inspired. John Summers recognizes and calls out immediately the important role that engaging and dynamic exhibits are in the museum 'business' model. Creating Exhibits that Engage is the outcome of a careers worth of practical experience and advice, mixed with current museological theory, that comes together in a single resource that museum and heritage professionals or volunteers would find helpful at any stage of their career." (Ontario History, published by the Ontario Historical Society.
"Using straightforward language and real world examples, John Summers provides a detailed overview of the techniques and methods to produce memorable exhibits in small to medium-sized museums and heritage centers. This accessible textbook covers all steps of the exhibit process from conceptual design principles through budgeting, in-house construction and installation to post-opening evaluation. It answers the questions: what is a good exhibit and how do I create one? The author includes crucial steps, like evaluating the conceptual design before production begins and describes how to set up an in house production studio and workshop to save money on exhibit production. Available in black and white, as an eBook as well as hard copy, Creating Exhibits that Engage is a great resource for students, staff, and volunteers of museums, cultural centers, and nature centers looking to develop fresh exhibits that visitors will connect with and remember." (Green Teacher magazine)
Available from Bloomsbury Publishing and amazon.com