Inside NMPS 2025: Ideas and Insights in Museum Publishing

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2025 National Museum Publishing Seminar (NMPS) in Baltimore, held June 29–July 1, and I’m still reflecting on the many conversations, connections, and ideas that emerged over the course of the weekend. As always, the conference brought together publishing professionals from across the arts and cultural sectors to explore the evolving landscape of our field—from practical workflows to big-picture visioning.

This year, I had the honor of moderating a panel titled “How Can Museums Effectively Use Freelance Editors?”—a topic close to my heart. I was joined by the fantastic Anne Roecklein (Managing Editor, Clark Art Institute), Emily Bowles (freelance copyeditor), and Chenoa Baker (freelance editor and curator). We talked about how museums can find the right freelance editorial partner, define expectations around contracts and payment, integrate editors into workflows, and ensure strong collaboration across teams. Big thanks to Emily Zoss and Martina Kado for their guidance in shaping the session and for organizing such an impactful event.

One of the most valuable sessions I attended was “The Style Slam: A Collaborative Approach to Creating a House Style Guide.” Editors Leslie Poster and Judie Evans from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History shared their process for engaging staff across departments in developing their in-house guide. The session covered everything from managing inclusive language conversations to gathering feedback and maintaining version control—and the presenters brought humor and heart to the whole process.

Another standout was “Social Media for Museum Publishers,” which featured insights from representatives of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MFA Boston, DAP, and Trifolio. Panelists offered data-informed strategies for promoting publications through storytelling and creative formats—beyond the standard flat lay (which, let’s be real, isn’t always the most exciting!). I came away with a list of new approaches to explore.

A highlight of the weekend was our field trip to the Maryland Center for History and Culture, where we toured exhibitions on civil rights in Maryland, the permanent collection, and a stunning show on Claire McCardell, the groundbreaking American fashion designer. Seeing her garments up close was a real treat—her innovation and influence were evident in every detail.

And while it wasn’t an official conference event, I carved out time to visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, one of the many institutions using the Bloomberg Connects app to great effect. Their collection is stellar, and the digital experience added a meaningful layer to the visit.

Lastly, I have to say: Baltimore really impressed me. It was amazing to see how the city has evolved (I’m a native Washingtonian), and I’ll definitely be back to explore more—especially in Fells Point, which is full of charming restaurants and waterfront energy.

NMPS 2025 was a rich and energizing experience. I’m grateful for the insights shared, the generosity of the community, and the chance to be part of shaping the future of museum publishing.