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History in the Making:

Boston Museum to Merge with
Boston History & Innovation Collaborative

The Boston Museum and the Boston History & Innovation Collaborative will merge their respective organizations in 2009, Frank Keefe, President and CEO of the Boston Museum, has announced. The merger gives the Boston Museum access to the Collaborative's extensive research capabilities and vital relationships within the business and non-profit sectors. In turn, the Collaborative will have a home and a showcase for its work in innovation at a highly visible downtown location.

"This merger has been a top priority of mine from the beginning," said Keefe. "At a time when funding resources are diminishing, we need to find creative ways to continue to build in our cultural sector. History is a vital Massachusetts resource. Combined, our organizations will be better positioned to tell the amazing stories of the Commonwealth's 400-year history."

The merger was first unveiled November 18, 2008, by Bob Krim, executive director of The Boston History & Innovation Collaborative, at the group's annual awards dinner.

"Our board, our Boston 5th Century Trustees and staff see this as incredible opportunity to build upon our mission and contribute to a most worthy enterprise, one that has the potential to become a significant cultural and economic driver in our region," observed Krim.

Krim's comments at the Innovation Awards dinner were echoed by both Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who congratulated both organizations on their merger, and by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

	Movie of Governor Patrick's remarks
Text of Governor Patrick's comments on the merger
Movie of Governor Patrick's complete presentation at Innovation Awards dinner

"The Boston Museum partnership will reap big educational, economic development and community-building dividends," stated Patrick. "It will showcase Massachusetts as home of the sons and daughters not only of the American Revolution but of the Industrial Revolution, the medical and biotech revolutions, the clean energy revolution and civil and human rights revolutions as well."

The Collaborative will assume a new name, the Boston Museum Innovation Institute, when the museum opens in late 2012. The institute will host events and forums for the public. In the interim, Krim and the Collaborative staff will work closely with the museum's development team on fundraising, exhibit planning and gallery design.

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