museum store - Arab American National Museum
Transcription
museum store - Arab American National Museum
arab american national museum 2008-2009 mission The Arab American National Museum (AANM) documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. We serve as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country. The Arab American National Museum is a proud Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Read about the Affiliations program at http://affiliations.si.edu. The AANM is a project of ACCESS Above: Artist Jarie Saad Ruddy of Royal Oak, Michigan donated to the AANM this plaque bearing the phrase “ahlan wa sahlan” which means “welcome” in Arabic. Cover photo: Middle school student Diana Molina photographed the AANM’s dramatic dome as part of the Museum’s SURA Arts Academy, a diversity-themed free digital photography instruction program honored in 2008 with the prestigious Coming Up Taller Award from the President’s Council on the Arts and the Humanities for exemplary after-school programs. a message from the director The publication of this report coincides with the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Arab American National Museum. It certainly is time for us to celebrate! Helen Thomas’ Portable Typewriter The 2008-09 period has been most challenging, yet, at the same time, quite rewarding. We are proud to report that, through the determination and professionalism of our staff and Board and the commitment of our community, the AANM has weathered the economic downturn without any serious cuts in budget, programs or staff. In fact, we have expanded our staff in the critical areas of curatorial, design and social media marketing. Despite its youth and modest means, the AANM has emerged as a leader in creating a new model for cultural institutions; one that is more reflective, responsive and respectful of the communities served. The Museum is also among those leading institutions that have embraced the communications revolution brought about by the Internet. This has resulted in significant expansion of our audience inside our walls, at related off-site events, and among those who access the AANM’s resources online. Over the last two years, the Museum has made real progress toward becoming a truly national institution. Traveling exhibits have been created. AANM education outreach has grown to serve students and their instructors in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, as well as Michigan. We have been a leading force behind the establishment of important local and national coalitions such as the Cultural Alliance of Southeast Michigan and the Immigration Sites of Conscience. Along the way, the AANM was honored with several local and national awards. The Museum’s progress has been validated by its supporters, both locally and nationally. It speaks volumes that, despite current economic conditions, more than 3,000 individuals became new Museum Members in 2008-09, more than one-third of them from outside the state of Michigan. As reflected at right by the American Association of Museums, the AANM today enjoys recognition as a courageous institution that embraces innovation and views challenges as opportunities. We look ahead with optimism. We know that we own and can shape our future. We have been entrusted with the continuing responsibility of safeguarding and spotlighting Arab American history and contributions. With your ongoing support, we will. “As a young museum, the museum leaders have carefully laid the groundwork for establishing the museum as one of the most well managed and respected ethnic museums in the country… Carefully thought out planning and implementation is paying off.” —American Association of Museums evaluator on the Arab American National Museum Anan Ameri, Director Arab American National Museum 1 a message from the national advisory board chair As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Arab American National Museum, we are mindful of the past and filled with dedication and determination for the future. We remain committed to uncompromising excellence and to achieving objectives such as bringing the lives and contributions of Arab Americans to a national audience. However, that commitment must be led by individuals of passion and intellect united around a common goal. The Museum’s National Advisory Board represents one of America’s most diverse, ac- complished, influential and respected groups of professionals. The Museum’s successful journey requires that each advisory board member fulfill a personal mandate to con- tinually contribute their time, talent and treasure to the Museum and participate in its continued growth. Our collective mission requires that we institutionalize the Museum in the hearts and minds of all of America and beyond. The Arab American National Museum has become a shining beacon of pride and dignity during one of the greatest periods of adversity in American history. Our future is as exciting as our past. We fully intend to work together in synthesizing our road ahead with the same wonderful enthusiasm and determination that has led us so swiftly to the success we enjoy today. One thing is certain: We are challenged as never before. We must accomplish more with fewer resources. Our future success depends on our collective ability to deliver consistently on our promise. Our promise is the powerful emotional glue, the truth and trust that connect who and what we are and what we do to our key audiences around the globe. Let us nurture the wonderful legacy we have created with a continued extraordinary passion for excellence. Shamel T. Rushwin, Chair AANM National Advisory Board Team Rahal Racing Suit and Helmet “…Education is the key—and you are a big piece of that. You blew away any stereotypes I may have had—Christa McAuliffe? James Jabara? I had NO IDEA... thank you for educating me. I promise to spread the information as often and as powerfully as possible.” —Nicole Malachowski, Major, U.S. Air Force “…as an Arab American myself I felt a profound surge of pride. The exhibits are wonderful… the architecture is beautiful, and the tour guide was immersed in our history and heritage, she was knowledgeable & did not miss a beat… I loved the huge wall map representing the 22 countries of the Arab World. I was grateful when Amy explained the difference between the Middle East per se and the correct use of the Arab world. I thought I knew a lot but to my surprise there are some public figures I did not know about, such as: I never knew Christine McAuliffe was an Arab. All in all your efforts are outstanding. I called my sons and told them I must bring the grandchildren for a positive educational tour. Heartfelt thanks… —Haifa Rubaie, University of Michigan 2 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 introduction Five years after its May 5, 2005, opening, the Arab American National Museum (AANM) remains the only institution among America’s 17,500 museums that is devoted to the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. It is a dynamic destination where this integral segment of American society tells its stories through oral histories and thousands of donated photographs, documents and artifacts. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, amid the greatest concentration of Arab Americans in United States, As an institution with “national” in its name and the AANM offers a stereotype-shattering educational education at its heart, the AANM has made significant experience to the 56,000 visitors – half of them students progress in delivering its message to audiences outside and educators – who pass through its doors each year. of southeast Michigan. With its dramatic 38,500-sq.-ft. Another 425,000 people take part in Museum-sponsored facility as a base, the Museum and its staff have created off-site events annually. traveling exhibits, made collections searchable online, and even brought AANM programs to those who The AANM’s interactive permanent exhibits span Arab could not attend, via free downloads from Apple’s American history from the 1500s to the present day, iTunes U. The Museum’s educational outreach efforts while also shedding light on the common experiences of have expanded outside of Michigan to neighboring all immigrants. Its rotating exhibits highlight Arab/Arab Midwestern states. American history and contemporary creative output, while related programming including concerts, films and With all the warmth of traditional Arab hospitality, panel discussions underscores the value of America’s the AANM welcomes all visitors to learn about Arab culturally diverse population. Americans, while encouraging them to value their own individual cultural history and celebrate the rich diversity of our nation. 3 AANM by the numbers Museum finances continued to trend positively in 2008-09, a testament to the AANM’s high-quality programs and the rewarding experiences of its audiences. Attendance has increased from 50,000 in 2007 to 52,000 in 2008 and 56,000 in 2009. An estimated 325,000 people attended annual off-site events such as Concert of Colors, the Museum’s annual Gala, and educational workshops and seminars. Almost half of those who come to the Museum are students and educators, and more than 25% of visitors come from outside Michigan. Despite the nation’s serious economic struggles, bright spots have emerged on the AANM balance sheet. Over the last two years, sales at the Museum Store have increased steadily; online sales alone saw a 300% increase during the period. Revenues from facility rentals have also grown as more corporations, foundations, organizations and community members have selected the AANM for business meetings, receptions, weddings and graduation parties. While adjusting to economic conditions, the Museum has been able to avoid major cuts to its $2.2 million annual budget. Highquality programming and smart management have led to ongoing, and in some cases, expanded support from foundations, corporations and individuals. In particular, capacity-building grants received in 2008-09 had major impact. A two-year, $150,000 McGregor Fund challenge grant helped the AANM recruit 3,000 new Museum Members. A three-year, $500,000 Kresge Foundation grant funded the development and implementation of a formal business plan focused on increasing earned revenues. The Ford Foundation’s three-year, $500,000 grant is improving exhibits and public programs, while a two-year, $110,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services is taking AANM educational programs into the neighboring states of Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. The value of the expanded Membership and donor base, along with improvements in outreach, were most evident in the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s “Challenge: Arts and Culture” in August 2009. Never before has the AANM been able to mobilize such a large number of supporters in such a short period of time! The Museum raised $304,000 and ranked fourth among the 75 competing cultural organizations, bested only by institutions larger and significantly older than the AANM, which marks its 5th anniversary in 2010. In 2008 and 2009, the Michigan Friends of the Museum Committee held two fundraisers, generating a total of $300,000 in unrestricted funding for Museum operations. In 2008, public events introduced the Museum to Washington, D.C. community. Then, in 2009, a fundraiser in the nation’s capital raised $180,000 for the AANM Endowment Fund. As of December 2009, the Museum’s endowment, managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, stands at $3.5 million, despite the major crash in the stock market. The AANM’s ability to thrive under such severe conditions helps Museum leaders face the future with optimism and confidence. 4 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 Concert of Colors: Exposed Self Portrait, from Fragmentation & Unity: The Art of Sari Khoury curatorial At the core of the AANM is its Curatorial Department, which brings Arab American history to life in the Museum’s permanent exhibits; creates compelling temporary exhibitions for two rotating gallery spaces; and maintains the highest standards of conservation. Museum visitors were asked to share their reactions on a gallery wall at the conclusion of the temporary exhibition A Yemeni Community: Photographs from the 1970s by Milton Rogovin. These are some of the comments: I’ve never seen a culture before… Proud to be Yemeni ...Yemenis Rock...I love Yemen because I was born there... I love my best country, Yemen ...Yemen culture is beautiful ...Yemen is a very old place. I like myself…I am proud of who I am…We are each unique in our own way…but there is a ‘me’ J. We are not very different after all…We are all equal…Everyone wants peace…We are powerful… We all have dreams…Race? Human…People are Important! Family and community are everything…I am a strong woman, my hands are the glue that holds this family together…Living in a community – with and for one another…I love you grandma. The AANM’s collection has grown from some 3,700 items at the end of 2007 to more than 4,800 items, including photos, documents and artifacts, at the end of 2009. Accessions in this period included a gift of 19 original works by social documentary photographer Milton Rogovin; the childhood oud of renowned musician/educator Simon Shaheen; and a number of handcrafted items by Arab American artists bearing the phrase “ahlan wa sahlan” (welcome). Visitors to the AANM Web site at www.arabamericanmuseum.org are now able to search for and view images and information on artifacts, thanks to the installation of PastPerfect Online software. Technological advancements have also impacted how the Museum engages its visitors in both gallery and virtual settings. Curators created the AANM’s first exhibition-specific micro-Web site for the 2008 show A Yemeni Community, offering enhanced information such as lesson plans for teachers. The immigrationthemed 2009 exhibition Connecting Communities incorporated social media contributions from audiences (YouTube videos, Flickr photos) into the exhibition via gallery wall projections, while also allowing those who could not physically visit the Museum the opportunity to connect with the exhibition. 5 EXHIBITIONS 2008-09 January 31 - August 31, 2008 Fragmentation & Unity: The Art of Sari Khoury Solo exhibition featuring the late Michigan-based artist and educator June 4 - August 31, 2008 Concert of Colors: Exposed In-concert photographs from Detroit’s beloved annual diversity-themed music festival by Bruce Harkness and Rebecca Cook September 13 - November 16, 2008 SURA Student Photography Exhibition Images of family, friends and community by middle school students from Detroit and Dearborn (above) September 25, 2008 - March 29, 2009 Utopian Visions Four artists – Rima Al-awar, Rana Chalabi, Roula Ayoub and Emna Zghal – interpret the concept of a perfect world Utopian Visions curatorial continued The AANM’s strong reputation among the U.S. museum community continues to grow. In 2008, the Museum was invited to join the Immigration Sites of Con- science Network, a group of 14 American and European history museums dedicated to encouraging dialogue on immigration issues. In 2009, the process of earning accreditation from the American Association of Museums advanced significantly. An initial self-study by AANM staff was followed by a successful visit from a peer reviewer, who delivered a glowing assessment and advice to position the Museum for its official accreditation application. The Museum also continues to enjoy its on- going relationship with the Smithsonian Institution as one of just 160 Smithsonian Affiliates across the country. December 4, 2008 - August 16, 2009 A Yemeni Community: Photographs from the 1970s by Milton Rogovin Renowned social documentary photographer’s images of an immigrant community in Lackawanna, New York September 12 - November 1, 2009 SURA Student Photography Exhibition Images of family, friends and community by middle school students from Detroit and Dearborn October 1, 2009 - March 28, 2010 Connecting Communities Multimedia interactive exhibition on immigration among Arabs, Latinos, southeast Asians and eastern Europeans Connecting Communities 6 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 education & public programming Najla Said at DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts “This was a very rewarding experience - the best contentbased professional development opportunity I have experienced. [The workshop] helped increase my understanding of the Arab World and Arab American culture. This will enhance my teaching - Thank You!!! “This was one of the best workshops I have been to in terms of content learned and applicable info. It is very eye-opening for me.” This was so fun, everything was good here…I love this place…My daughters thank you!...The Museum rocks!... Thank you for caring…Learning about Arab heritage is awesome… “I had a wonderful time this weekend… I was somewhat knowledgeable about the Arab World and Islam, but I learned a tremendous amount that will absolutely help me in being a more learned and aware educator…” Whether it takes place inside a gallery or auditorium at the AANM or miles away at a school, business or entertainment venue, educating people of all ages about Arab Americans is the primary goal of the Museum’s Education & Public Programming Department (E&PP). During 2008-09, E&PP used creative methods and fresh programming to engage new and returning audiences; successfully collaborated with many community partners; and earned major national recognition for a key youth program. Students and educators, who comprise nearly 50% of AANM visitors, remain a primary focus of educational efforts. Increasing numbers of school groups took docent-guided Museum tours in 2008-09. A grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services resulted in, among other things, a series of presentations to high school students as well as the publication of four informational booklets – Arab Americans; The Arab World; Monotheistic Religions; and Islam & Muslim Americans – for general audiences. A Ruth Mott Foundation grant allowed hundreds of children from Flint, Michigan to come to the Museum or experience AANM presentations in their own classrooms. Museum staff also worked directly with 55 educators from several states during a well-received three-day workshop at the AANM in Summer 2009. SURA Arts Academy (at left), the AANM’s free, diversity-themed photography program for middle school students, maintained its weekly schedule of instructional sessions and held annual exhibitions in 2008 and 2009, while adding a new virtual gallery for global viewers on the Flickr photo-sharing Web site. 7 First Lady Laura Bush, SURA Arts Academy student photographer Camille Charara, AANM Assistant Director Celine Taminian and Caren Prothro of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, at the Coming Up Taller Award ceremony at the White House in November 2008. education & public programming continued In Fall 2008, SURA was honored with the Coming Up Taller Award, presented by First Lady Laura Bush in a White House ceremony. This prestigious award was given to just 15 after- school youth programs deemed exemplary by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Along with docent-guided tours and Arabic lunches, other ongoing youth activities – in- cluding free craft-making and storytelling sessions for ages 6-12 – remain popular with kids and parents alike. CU.SAME, a diversity-themed summer camp for teens, has been an annual event since 2005. E&PP reaches out to general audiences with programs and services that are educational and entertaining. Ongoing offerings such as Cultural Competency workshops enlighten thousands of individuals in the government and corporate realms, increasing their sensitivity and helping them be more effective in working with Arab American clientele. Community-wide special events such as The Big Read, a month-long celebration of litera- ture and literacy in 2009, introduced the AANM and the work of Egyptian Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz to new audiences in neighboring communities. A new, free cell-phone-based audio tour of the Museum’s permanent exhibits, introduced in 2008, adds a new layer of interest for both new and returning visitors. A new themed tour for groups of eight or more, rolled out in 2009, reinterprets the AANM’s permanent exhibits through the experiences of Arab women. Events such as panel discussions and antiques appraisals have helped audiences make connections between AANM exhibits 8 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 Mike Mosallam of the Wayne County (MI) Film Initiative and Amreeka director Cherien Dabis “The tour provided the opportunity to relate in a variety of different ways to the Arab culture and community.” “The most enjoyable experience I had was learning and getting to know a lot about the Arab culture…and I think it’s a blessing to see them the way I didn’t before - I learned so much.” Don Was at the Concert of Colors and their own personal experience and history. Two semesters of Arabic language classes are offered each year. The annual Arab American Film Festival, held each fall at the Museum, continues to grow in popularity, featuring new and classic titles by Arab and Arab American filmmakers. Single-film presen- tations, such as the 2008 screening of director Tom McCarthy’s The Visitor and the 2009 screening of the Cherien Dabis film Amreeka, typically draw standing-room-only crowds. In 2009, Bill Miller at Global Thursdays series. In 2008-09, Global Thursdays proudly presented two mul- As a national institution, the AANM hosted the 2008 Arab Ameri- not only graced the AANM stage but also took their artistry out cal Foundation, drawing 120 attendees. The Museum itself pre- film also joined live music on the multicultural Global Thursdays tiple-Grammy-winning artists, Rahim AlHaj and Bill Miller, who into the community with master classes and workshops. The event that inspired the Global Thursdays series – the annual diversity-themed free world music festival known as Concert of Colors – continued to draw enthusiastic crowds. Two thousand nine marked the festival’s 17th anniversary. Museum staff oversee can History Conference presented by the Arab-American Historisented its third DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts, which drew more than 250 creative Arab Americans and scholars in 2009. The an- nual Arab American Book Award literary competition draws a larger number of submissions each year along with ceremony attendees from across the United States. the musical lineup. Among the performers to appear in recent Collaboration is a hallmark of E&PP. AANM educators teamed up Sainte-Marie; Yo La Tengo; Rickie Lee Jones; Michelle Shocked; offer customized Museum tours related to the IMAX film Journey years are: Aaron Neville; Vieux Farka Toure; Mavis Staples; Buffy Toots & the Maytals; Terrance Simien; Sudan United for Peace; and Machito Orchestra. In 2008, Concert of Colors introduced the Detroit All-Star Revue – an annual showcase of classic and contemporary Detroit-area musical acts hosted by Grammy-winning super-producer Don Was, a Detroit native. Videos of those performances, made avail- able by Was at www.mydamnchannel.com, have earned thou- sands of Internet viewers while also promoting Concert of Colors. Also in 2008, the AANM presented Concert of Colors: Exposed, a temporary exhibition of compelling in-concert images of world music artists taken over the event’s 16-year history that helped audiences understand the connection between the Museum and this beloved community event. in 2009 with neighboring cultural institution The Henry Ford to to Mecca: In the Footseps of Ibn Battuta. Each offering of Global Thursdays – the AANM’s multicultural concert and film series – is supported by an area cultural organization that helps to bring new audiences to the Museum. The aforementioned CU.SAME is a joint project of the AANM, Charles H. Wright Museum of Afri- can American History; Shalom Street Jewish Children’s Museum; and The Henry Ford. The Big Read united the AANM with public and university libraries, bookstores, even backgammon clubs. Per- haps the most prominent collaboration is the Concert of Colors, a joint presentation of the Arab American National Museum; its parent organization ACCESS; civic group New Detroit; and Detroit Symphony Orchestra. 9 library & resource center The Library & Resource Center (L&RC) at the Arab American National Museum is a burgeoning national clearinghouse for information about Arab Americans. Author Alia Malek appears at the AANM Library & Resource Center to discuss her book A Country Called Amreeka: Arab Voices, American Stories in late 2009. Its reputation as a research destination continues to grow; both researcher visits and requests for research assistance have shown a steady increase. Library-based public pro- grams that encourage literacy and the exploration of diverse cultures drew thousands of participants during 2008-09, when The Big Read – a program of the National Endowment for the Arts – came to the AANM. Current holdings of the Library & Resource Center number more than 4,000, including books, periodicals, CDs, DVDs and electronic resources. The Museum’s Arab American Collection – one of seven distinct Library collections – consistently offers the most upto-date material in Arab American fiction and Arab American research. The online Com- munity Resource Directory at www.arabamericanmuseum.org includes more than 1,000 “This event was a homecoming for my novel and for myself. I was very moved by everyone’s involvement and positivity, and I’m grateful and feel so blessed.” —Author Randa Jarrar, winner, 2009 Arab American Book Award “Thank you for one of the nicest evenings of my whole life… We all deeply appreciate your gracious leadership and inspiration.” listings/links for Arab American artists in all genres, Arab American organizations and —Author Naomi Shihab Nye, winner, 2009 Arab American Book Award The L&RC’s public programming in 2008-09 included author “…I always say this, but I really mean it, I feel so welcome when I come to your “house! Museum!” It is because of you, Dr. Anan, and your wonderful colleagues.” related entities. appearances, among them Dr. Jack Shaheen, Imam Hassan Qazwini, Sandy Tolan and Alia Malek. C-SPAN2’s “Book TV” program taped Malek’s talk for later national broadcast. Family-oriented Library programs included live storytellers who engaged children and their parents alike with a series —Artist Helen Zughaib and university libraries and backgammon clubs in two counties to conduct 28 events at “…Everyone was courteous and hospitable and I couldn’t have been made to feel more at home. The awards ceremony was conducted very professionally, and the auditorium was decorated with banners that had each winning author’s book emblazoned thereon. It was quite impressive and made one feel that the Museum took its awards program very seriously…” gammon demonstrations and book discussions; the kickoff event recreated a traditional —Author Raff Ellis, honorable mention, 2008 Arab American Book Award of sessions devoted to folktales from around the world, in conjunction with the Museum’s popular Free Craft Sundays series for youth. The centerpiece of L&RC programming in 2008-09 was The Big Read, in which the Mu- seum led the community in reading and discussing the 1961 novel The Thief and the Dogs by Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz of Egypt. More than 700 copies of the book, in both English and Arabic, were distributed free to the public. The AANM partnered with public nine venues during March and early April 2009. Programs included film screenings, backEgyptian coffeehouse in the AANM Courtyard. 10 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 arab american book awards When Randa Jarrar had an essay published in The New York Times Magazine in early 2010, the author used as her only identifier “winner of the Arab American Book Award.” This national literary competition founded by the AANM continues to grow in participation and public profile. The number of titles submitted for consideration is increasing each 2009 winners, from left: Naomi Shihab Nye; Fayeq Oweis; Randa Jarrar; Suheir Hammad; Moustafa Bayoumi (not pictured: Saree Makdisi) year as awareness grows among authors, publishers and readers; attendance at the 2008 Winners award ceremony held each fall is also on the rise. Fiction Non-Fiction Children/Young Honorable Honorable Honorable Mention: Lebanon: Stories of Syrian-Lebanese Tasting the Sky: Origin Non-Fiction Annals of the Caliphs’ America Neoliberal Brazil Remember Me to Another Arabesque: Lebanese Women in Ethnicity in by Evelyn Shakir by John Tofik Karam Adult A Palestinian Childhood Mention: Fiction by Diana Abu-Jaber by Ibtisam Barakat 2009 Winners Mention: Kisses From a Distance by Raff Ellis Non-Fiction Kitchens: Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq’s TenthCentury Baghdadi Cookbook by Nawal Nasrallah Fiction Non-Fiction Poetry Children/ Honorable Honorable A Novel Be a Problem? Being breaking poems Honeybee: Poems Non-Fiction Non-Fiction A Map of Home: by Randa Jarrar How Does It Feel to Young and Arab in America by Moustafa Bayoumi (new category) by Suheir Hammad Young Adult & Short Prose by Naomi Shihab Nye Mention: Encyclopedia of Arab American Artists: Artists of the American Mosaic by Fayeq Oweis Mention : Palestine Inside Out: An Everyday Occupation by Saree Makdisi 11 technology Exciting and fast-changing technology makes it possible for thousands of people around the world to learn about and visit the Arab American National Museum and to easily access its vast resources de- voted to the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. Technology has greatly enhanced the AANM visitor experience. In 2008, the Museum introduced the inaugural segments of its free, cell-phone-based audio tour in both English and Arabic, adding a rich new visitor experience to the permanent exhibits. The In 2008, the Museum’s Curatorial Department created its first mation gateway that is constantly updated. It offers a variety of munity: Photographs from the 1970s by Milton Rogovin. In 2009, Museum website at www.arabamericanmuseum.org is an inforservices, from basic visitor and program information to sophisti- micro-Web site devoted to a specific exhibition, A Yemeni Com- the AANM introduced the Museum’s first exhibition that incor- cated research tools including access to the Library & Resource porated visitor-generated content. As part of the Connecting in the AANM collection, now searchable via recently installed personal experiences and opinions on immigration by recording Center catalog and images and details of thousands of artifacts PastPerfect software. Even Museum events such as DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts are now free downloads available to all on iTunes U, a section of the massively popular iTunes Store devoted to free educational offerings. 12 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 Communities exhibition, audiences were asked to share their short videos at a gallery kiosk that were then projected onto the gallery wall and made available on YouTube. Photos of immigrant communities were also solicited and shared via the Flickr photosharing website and gallery wall projections. museum store “…Your site is wonderful and I’ve told quite a number of friends and non-friends (i.e. the cashier at Target who loved my blue stone bracelet that my daughter had bought for me a couple of years ago) about the AANM and the items that are sold at its store…” The Museum Store at the AANM is much more than a typical institu- “Hello, I just received the keffiyeh you shipped to me. Thank you for sending it so quickly. It will be very useful with the cold weather we have been having in Virginia… Thanks again and stay warm.” United States and around the world. tional purveyor of trinkets and souvenirs. It’s an educational and en- tertaining retail experience that engages visitors long after they have left the Museum. The online Store at www.arabamericanmuseum. org serves to introduce the Museum to Internet shoppers across the Goods imported from the Arab World dominate the Store’s selections. Fashionistas across the country are donning Museum Store keffiyehs (scarves), offered in myriad colors and patterns starting at just $10. Evil Eye jewelry from Jordan and Syria is a customer favorite, as are Dead Sea skin-care products. Lead-free glazes make bold and bright Tunisian ceramic pieces safe for the dinner table, while hand-thrown Palestinian pottery draws the eye with its traditional Arabesque designs. Books, CDs, toys and candy round out the offerings. The Store’s top seller is Sahtein, a spiral-bound cookbook illustrated by Kamal Boullata published by the Ramallah Club in 1976. The Museum Store – both its physical space and its online partner – represents a growing stream of unrestricted revenue for the AANM. From 2008 to 2009, Store sales on the Internet increased by more than 300%, due in part to an online advertising grant from search giant Google. In addition, Store staff have proven particularly adept at encouraging shoppers to purchase Museum Memberships as part of their transaction, allowing shoppers to enjoy the 10% Member discount on Store merchandise. And just as traditional Arabic hospitality is central to the visitor experience at the AANM, customer service is paramount in every Museum Store transaction, both in person and online. 13 facility rental & event planning Ahlan wa sahlan! In Arabic, that’s Welcome! Hospitality holds a sacred place in Arab culture, and the AANM proudly embraces this tradition by wel- coming diverse events and audiences – everything from conferences and corporate receptions to wed- dings and children’s birthday parties. These very special events are marked by old-world hospitality, detail-driven service and rental fees well below those of most cultural institutions and generic rental spaces in southeast Michigan, setting the Museum apart in this competitive market. Among the groups that staged a 2008-09 event in some or all of the AANM’s six architecturally dis- tinct spaces are: Ramallah Federation; Novartis Pharmaceuticals; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Air National Guard; and media outlets Al-Hurra TV and Yemeni American News. Additionally, the Museum provided pro bono facility use to worthy nonprofit efforts including Kids Against Hunger; U.S. Census Bureau; and local veterans organizations. This area of operations provides a vital stream of unrestricted revenue for the AANM that has yet to realize its full potential. New marketing pieces – a large, portable banner and a colorful, multi-panel brochure – have joined online slide shows spotlighting the various rental options. Museum staff promote the AANM at bridal expositions and other such gatherings, building awareness among event-planning professionals as well as private individuals. Existing practices are constantly refined and new services and options are continually added in pursuit of service excellence and client satisfaction. 14 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 “The AANM staff took great effort in helping us plan an unbelievable night for our closest family & friends! The idea of hosting a graduation party at AANM was not only a unique concept, but truly gave a new light to the event. The food was lavish, the decorations were classy & most importantly, the service was accommodating to our needs.” “The AANM is a great place to host receptions and business meetings. The atmosphere is very relaxing, rewarding and educational. It is a valuable experience to bring your colleagues, customers and friends to conduct a meeting, then take a tour of Museum exhibits for a rich dive into the Arab American Culture. Thumbs up!” “We had a wonderful time at the Arab American Museum. Our guide was very knowledgeable, our needs were well cared for, and the food was excellent. Arab hospitality was well represented.” endowment and sustaining donors We gratefully acknowledge the following donors who have invested in the future of the AANM and supported its programs with cumulative gifts of $500 or more from May 1, 2008 – March 12, 2010. $500,000+ Ford Foundation Kresge Foundation $100,000 - $499,999 Chevron Texaco Chrysler LLC Comerica Charitable Foundation Community Foundation for SE Michigan Institute of Museum and Library Services Meijer Saudi Aramco Target Corporation U.S. Department of Commerce $50,000 - $99,999 DTE Energy Ford Motor Company McGregor Fund Occidental Petroleum Corporation Ruth Mott Foundation Skillman Foundation $10,000 - $49,999 Anonymous (4) Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Abdoo Mrs. Sarah B. Alturki Mr. Noel J. Saleh and Dr. Anan Ameri Drs. Adnan and Barbara Aswad AT&T Bank of America Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Embassy of the State of Qatar ExxonMobil Corporation Mr. Mike and Mrs. Wisam Fakhoury Mr. Roy and Mrs. Maha Freij Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Lina Harajli Drs. Ronny and Zeena Hourani Mr. and Mrs. Amjad Maali Masco Corporation Foundation Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs National Endowment for the Arts Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Mr. and Mrs. Ghassan Saab Sabic Americas, Inc. $5,000 - $9,999 AK Steel Mr. and Mrs. Nicola M. Antakli Mr. Jamal Baadani Dr. and Mrs. Yahya M. Basha Charter One Bank Fifth Third Bank Health Alliance Plan Hudson-Webber Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Hassan Jaber Ms. Jihad Maali Mr. and Mrs. Osman R. Minkara NAAMA Port Huron Hospital Atty. and Mrs. George Salem Mr. and Mrs. Kamal Shouhayib Ms. Ruth Ann Skaff and Family U.S. Census Bureau $1,000 - $4,999 AAA Michigan Dr. Rashid Abdu Ms. Wadad K. Abed Dr. and Mrs. Marwan S. Abouljoud Hon. and Mrs. Spencer Abraham Mr. and Mrs. Ismael Ahmed Mr. Nadim S. and Mrs. Rima Ajlouny Dr. Roger and Mrs. Rosette Ajluni Dr. Jihad A. and Mrs. Nuha Alsadek Dr. Fahd Al-Saghir and Ms. Suha Sharbek Dr. Samir and Mrs. Alya Alsawah Mr. Nabil Al-Sharif Mr. and Mrs. Attallah Amash Mr. and Mrs. Ron Amen American Ramallah Federation Ms. Suad Amiry Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ansara Armada Oil & Gas Dr. and Mrs. John Artis Dr. and Mrs. Basim I. Asmar Dr. Mariam Awada Dr. Nabil Azzam Nasser Barghouti, Ph.D. Mrs. Lubna Bathish Jones Dr. Amer Bisat Blue Care Network Dr. and Mrs. Dennis I. Bojrab The Hon. David E. Bonior Ms. Annette Budzisz Byblos Banquets Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Mr. Ahmad Chebbani Dr. Waad Dakkak and Ms. Jida Kalai Mr. and Mrs. Tarik S. Daoud Mr. Warren and Dr. Amal K. David Mr. Joseph J. Diederich Drs. Samer and Lina Dirani Dr. Basim Dubaybo East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority Dr. Nuzmeya Elder Mr. and Mrs. Nazeeh Elias Mr. and Mrs. Raff G. Ellis Embassy of Libya Mrs. Inea Bushnaq Engler Mrs. Randa Fahmy-Hudome Fairlane Town Center Dr. John W. Farah Mr. Nijad Fares Dr. and Mrs. Zouheir Fares Ms. Joann Fawaz Mr. and Mrs. Bishara J. Freij Amb. and Mrs. Edward Gabriel Dr. and Mrs. Habib Gennaoui Rev. and Mrs. William G. Gepford Mr. Lawrence Ghannam Mr. and Mrs. Fawaz Haddad Dr. Ayman Haidar Dr. and Mrs. Louis Hallal Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi Dr. and Mrs. Demian Hanna Ms. Sonia M. Harb and Mr. Taha Dahabra Harper University Hospital Dr. Mohamad A. Hatahet and Ms. Loubna Al-Khayat Dr. and Mrs. Ghaleb F. Hatem Henry Ford Community College Henry Ford Health System Henry Ford Health System - Transplant Mr. James A. Hiller Mr. Ghassan Daher and Ms. Nissrine Hussein Dr. Faleh and Mrs. Alya Husseini Dr. Fikry F. Ibrahim and Dr. Mona Rizk Ibrahim International Union, UAW Dr. Claire A. Issa Dr. Farid and Mrs. Maha Jano 15 endowment and sustaining donors $1,000 - $4,999 continued Mr. Assad Jebara Dr. and Mrs. Omar Kader Mr. and Mrs. Khalil Karjawally Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji and Ms. Hala Taifour Dr. Mazen Khalidi Mr. Fouad K. Kheir Dr. Philip S. Khoury Dr. and Mrs. Riad Khoury Kiwanis Foundation of Dearborn, Inc. Lebanese American University Dr. Francis Shor and Ms. Barbara Logan Hon. Mona K. Majzoub Dr. John I. Makhoul Dr. Clovis Maksoud Mr. and Mrs. Tahir M. Mansour Mr. Ziad Ismail and Ms. Linda Mansour Marathon Petroleum Company LLC Mr. Khader Masri Mr. Tarek and Mrs. Suzy Adra Mazloum Mercedes Benz of Bloomfield Hills Michigan Food & Beverage Association Michigan Kidney Consultants, PC Mid East Pastry Midwest Health Plan Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC Molina Healthcare of Michigan Mr. Karim Mostafa Dr. and Mrs. Bassam H. Nasr Dr. Hazem Nassif and Dr. Rula Mahayni O.M. Contracting, Inc. Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. Mr. Karan Obeid Dr. Zaven and Mrs. Lena Oskanian Mr. and Mrs. John P. Oswald Dr. and Mrs. Mohammad I. Othman Mr. Talat M. Othman Mr. and Mrs. Ismail Radwan Ms. Souhad Rafey Ms. Jacqueline Rizik Ms. Cassandra Z. Rodger, Ttee. Mr. and Mrs. Shamel Rushwin Mr. and Mrs. Khalil Saab Denyse Sabagh, Esq. Safiedine Oil Co. Dr. and Mrs. Safwan Saker Dr. Faysal and Mrs. Rajaa Saksouk Dr. Isam N. and Mrs. Wafa Salah Mr. Isam Salah and Ms. Betsy Haddad Metropolitan Philip Saliba Ms. Silvia Samaan Dr. Bashar Samman and Dr. Randa Jundi-Samman Mrs. Betty H. Sams Dr. Hadi and Mrs. Nashwa Sawaf Ms. Cynthia Serikaku Mr. and Mrs. Farouq R. Shafie Mr. and Mrs. Riad Shatila Dr. Muaiad and Mrs. Aida Shihadeh Mr. Hussien Y. Shousher and Dr. Randa Mansour-Shousher Dr. Muhammad S. and Mrs. Janine Shurafa Mr. Richard Soble Dr. Michael W. Suleiman Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Tanous Dr. Fawwaz T. Ulaby and Ms. Jean Cunningham University of Michigan - Dearborn University Pathologists, PC Mr. Rajaee and Mrs. Edna Zaid Dr. Pierre A. and Mrs. Nawal Zayat Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Zeak Dr. George Zureikat $500 - $999 Mr. Jean Abinader Dr. Thomas Abowd Mr. Robert Abraham Adam Travel of Detroit Dr. and Mrs. Steven C. Ajluni Mr. Malek Akkad Dr. Sami and Mrs. May Akkary Mr. Devon M. and Mrs. Dharma R. Akmon Mr. and Mrs. Haroune B. Alameddine Drs. Imad A. and Raida Alazem Dr. and Mrs. Kheir Al-Zouhayli Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Arab American Institute Foundation Arab Women's Council Research & Educational Fund Mrs. Naila Asali Mrs. Rose Assi Mr. Peter A. Aweida Mr. Nabih H. Ayad, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bagale Mr. Mohamad H. Bandar Mr. and Mrs. Bassam Barazi Dr. Rashid L. Bashshur Dr. Eitedal Basyouni Dr. Fouad and Mrs. Lina Batah Mr. Barry Berk 16 Arab American National Museum | 2008-2009 continued Mr. Derrel Dronich and Ms. Maya Berry Brigham Young University Ms. Lynn M. Brimer Mr. C. D. Campbell Mr. Eddie Chaaban Mr. and Mrs. Ramzi Chraim Chrysler Financial Mr. and Mrs. Robert Courey Mr. and Mrs. Amin Daghestani Dr. and Mrs. Adnan S. Dajani Dr. Ghaleb H. Daouk Dr. and Mrs. Shukri David Mrs. Hannan M. Deep Mr. and Mrs. Said M. Deep Dr. Walid and Mrs. Rasha Demashkieh Dr. Khalil and Mrs. Anne Dirani Dr. and Mrs. Farouk El-Baz Ms. Janet M. Elias Mr. and Mrs. Troy Farah Mr. Haytham Faraj Mrs. Bahiya Fawaz Freddie Mac Foundation Ms. Janice Freij Yaser Freij, M.D. Dr. Elias G. Gennaoui Mr. and Mrs. Buolus Ghraib Mr. and Mrs. Waleed K. Gosaynie Mr. R. Frederick Green, Ttee. Ms. Suzan S. Habachy Mr. Joe M. Haggar, Jr. Ms. Elaine C. Hagopian Dr. Adnan Hammad and Dr. Raja Rabah-Hammad Mr. and Mrs. Allen A. Hamood Dr. Michael Hanna Mr. Amin B. Hassam T.J. Hassan, M.D., P.C. Dr. Maha Hussain Dr. and Mrs. Khaled Imam Dr. Fahd S. Jajeh Mr. Ronnie Jallad and Ms. Alissa Ritenour Ms. Maha Kaddoura Mr. and Mrs. Abe A. Karam Mr. Casey Kasem Dr. George M. and Dr. Nadya J. Kazzi Dr. and Mrs. Rashid Khalidi Drs. Riad and Ghada Khatib Mrs. Dina R. Khoury Mr. and Mrs. Taek and Jamie Kim Dr. Rula Mahayni Mrs. Jeanette Mansour aanm national advisory board Ms. Rita Mansour Mercy Hospital Michigan Design Center Mrs. Patricia E. Mooradian Mosaic Design Group, Inc. Mr. Hassan Newash Mr. Imad Obeid Mr. Michael and Ms. Deborah Deacon Odette The Honorable John B. O'Reilly, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Pastore Ms. Essie Pringle Mr. Nabil Raad Ms. Margaret Sind Raben Ricoh Business Solutions Dr. and Mrs. Ghassan Rifai Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rosen Dr. Aleya Rouchdy Mrs. Fatmeh Saad Ms. Houeida Saad Mr. Jamal A. Sa'd Dr. Saed Sahouri Dr. and Mrs. Karem Sakallah Salina School Teacher Club Dr. Fadi Salloum Ms. Samar Salman Ms. Suzan Samaan Mrs. Helen Samhan Mr. Nabil Sater Mr. and Mrs. Saad Shafie Prof. Bassam Shakhashiri Mr. Andy Shallal Mr. Samer Shihadeh Dr. Marwan Shuayto Dr. Riad S. Siada St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church Mr. and Mrs. Stanley M. Stewart Mr. William W. Swor, Esq. The Henry Ford U.S. Truck Driver Training School Stephen and Jennifer Williams Mrs. Adrenne M. Wygonik Mr. Raymond E. Zbacnik In-Kind Donors Mr. Robert Abboud Dr. Rashid Abdu Mr. and Mrs. Ismael Ahmed Dr. Roger and Mrs. Rosette Ajluni Mr. Devon M. and Mrs. Dharma R. Akmon Mr. Charles Khalil Alawan Arab Artists and Writers Speak Out Ms. Michelle Areeda Mr. Bill Aswad Dr. Dennis I. and Mrs. Andria R. Bojrab Mr. Joseph Caurdy Committee to Elect Nick Kahl Mr. and Mrs. Raff G. Ellis Google Ms. Marlene Haddad Mr. Bill Hamzy Mr. Richard Hanna Ms. Julia Haragely Mr. Albert Harp Dr. Faleh and Mrs. Alya Husseini Atty. Salah Husseini Dr. Fikry F. Ibrahim and Dr. Mona Rizk Ibrahim Dr. Clovis Maksoud Ferial Masry Ms. Lillian Ghraib Metry Huseime Moslimani Alex Moslimani Mr. Abdul Noman Mr. Selim Noujaim Fathieh M. Odeh Mr. Nick Rahall The Rogovin Collection Hon. Selwa S. Roosevelt Mr. Theodore Sakhleh Mr. David Schaefer Mr. Simon Shaheen Mr. Mark Strama Ms. Rashida Tlaib Mr. William Tracy Mr. Ron Unis University of Central Missouri McClure Archives and Museum - Nance Collections Faye Vangel Video Monitoring Services of America Mr. Joe Zainea Dr. Ahmed H. Zewail Photo Credits: Devon Akmon Marvin Asuncion II Brita Brookes Rebecca Cook Paul Hitz Joe Namy Amy Palomar Laszlo Regos Nabil Zebib Executive Committee Shamel Rushwin, Chair Manal Saab, Co-chair Ismael Ahmed, Board Member Patricia E. Mooradian, Board Member Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Board Member Honorary Board Members Her Majesty Queen Noor Al-Hussein Suleiman Al-Awadhi His Excellency Bader Al-Dafa Congressman Charles Boustany Congressman Darrell Issa Honorable Chris John Congressman Nick Rahall Jamie Farr Casey Kasem Kathy Najimy Jacques Nasser Tony Shalhoub Helen Thomas Board Members Richard A. Abdoo Rashid Abdu Jane Abraham Rosette Ajluni Malek Akkad Nicola M. Antakli Nazeeh Aranki Bassam Barazi Yahya M. Basha Maya Berry Michael Berry Amer Bisat Ahmad Chebbani George DeBakey Debbie Dingell Russell J. Ebeid Farouk El-Baz Inea B. Engler Randa Fahmy-Hudome Nijad Fares W. Frank Fountain Edward Gabriel Rana Hajjeh Dalia Hashad Ghada Irani Abdeen M. Jabara James Jabara Moncef Jendoubi Asaad Kelada Mona Khalidi Philip S. Khoury Ronald G. Khoury Marnia Lazreg Clovis Maksoud Albert Mokhiber Ghada M. Muhanna Jacques Nasser Ziad S. Ojakli Sarah Rogers Wafa Salah George Salem Helen Samhan Harold Samhat Betty H. Sams Jack Shaheen Bassam Shakhashiri Andy Shallal Michael W. Suleiman Ann Tanous Ahmed Zewail John Zogby 13624 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, Michigan 48126 www.arabamericanmuseum.org hours Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5 p.m. Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Admission $6 for adults; $3 for students, seniors and children 6-12; ages 5 and under, free. Call 313.582.2266 for further information.