The Lake Placid Olympic Museum (LPOM) is proud to be a member of the Olympic Museum Network (OMN), a global organization that brings together museums dedicated to preserving and promoting the Olympic Movement. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborative approaches to collections management, the OMN encourages the exchange of knowledge and best practices among its members. At its core, the network is committed to advancing the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect through the power of sport, culture, and education.
In February, Director Courtney Bastian and Collections Manager Julia Herman had the honor of representing the LPOM at the 19th Olympic Museum Network General Assembly, hosted by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The three-day event brought together over 40 Olympic museums and institutions worldwide for engaging sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities.
The Assembly focused on how Olympic museums can expand to engage more diverse and inclusive audiences, while also more deeply integrating Olympic values into public programs and exhibitions. Discussions served as a platform for sharing ideas, sparking inspiration, and exploring new opportunities for international collaboration.
Beyond attending the sessions, Courtney and Julia toured the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and connected with leaders from the Olympic Movement and fellow museum professionals. They also met Olympic pentathlete Sammy Schultz, gaining valuable insight into the athlete’s experience and how it can help shape museum storytelling.
As part of their visit, they coordinated a special behind-the-scenes tour of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Archives. This visit allowed them to explore the artifacts, learn about innovative storage and preservation techniques, and exchange knowledge.
Courtney and Julia returned to Lake Placid inspired by the work happening across the Olympic Museum Network and energized by the new partnerships formed. The LPOM looks forward to incorporating these insights into future projects and continuing to elevate the Olympic spirit in its exhibitions and programs.