Dear Smithsonian Community,
I write to you as we begin a careful return to the new normal with opening the Udvar-Hazy Center and the National Zoo. As an Institution, we remain committed to the health and safety of our employees and visitors, and the ongoing care of our collections. We are also facing the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism that impact each of us in unique ways.
As our Institution begins to move through reopening phases, the Smithsonian’s New Normal Committee continues to meet and work on several goals. We were charged by Secretary Bunch to consider how the Smithsonian will operate in the time that the museums are open, and before there is a vaccine. He also asked us to think about how the Smithsonian could:
- take bold strategic measures
- envision our institution in a new reality
- help people feel safe and secure
- show why the Smithsonian is relevant especially in difficult times
From the beginning, we have seen opportunities to adapt and improve the Smithsonian and come out a nimbler and more effective organization that continues to be a source of hope and inspiration.
What is the New Normal?
This term is popular and has many different interpretations. For our working group and the Smithsonian, the “New Normal” encompasses the time frame of Phase 3 (partial reopening to the public pre-vaccine), Phase 4 (full reopening post-vaccine), and beyond. We understand that the world has changed radically since March 2020 and that the past can no longer predict or dictate future behaviors.
When will we see New Normal Recommendations?
Originally, we targeted August 1 but that date has been extended to late summer. The robust participation in the staff survey – thank you all! – has given us much to consider. We are just beginning to evaluate the results. Our thanks also to all of you who offered to share your thoughts. Right now, we are in the midst of selecting volunteers to participate in feedback sessions as well as conducting conversations with unit directors and key stakeholders. In case you volunteered and do not get called for this initial round, please note that we remain grateful and are considering your hand raised for future committee endeavors.
What is New Normal working on?
In an earlier communication, we identified our four subcommittees. All are convening on recommendations for these focus areas:
- Acting as a cohesive organization that leverages expertise across the Smithsonian
- Being nimble and bold in thought and operations that allows SI to adapt quickly to the changing environment
- Knowing our audiences and making strategic, data-driven decisions in everything the Smithsonian undertakes
Our subcommittees are working together and separately on recommendations for these focus areas:
- The role of SI in addressing racial, gender, sexual orientation, and other identity-based divisions through tangible actions and activities (Big Ideas)
- Leveraging SI's science expertise and trusted brand (Big Ideas & How We Operate Profitably and Flexibly)
- Expanding SI's role in education by increasing high-value digital content (Big Ideas & The Evolution of Onsite and Digital)
- Resourcing, building, and leveraging digital-first content (The Evolution of Onsite and Digital)
- Creating the most flexible 'workplace' possible (How We Work)
- Prioritizing philanthropy and new revenue streams to allow us to invest in what we do best (How We Operate Profitably and Flexibly)
We are committed to a better Smithsonian. It is going to take hard work to get there, but we remain confident that together we will continue to fulfill our mission as we have for nearly two centuries.
Many thanks for all of the work you do every day.
Sincerely,
Ellen Stofan
Chair, New Normal Committee
John and Adrienne Mars Director,
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
