Shows
Love my MuseumEpisode 50: 3 Priorities for Museums in 2026In this milestone 50th episode, Amy wraps up 2025 by sharing three essential priorities for museums heading into 2026. Drawing on her three decades of communications experience, she shares the three parts of her Love my Museum Method: brand messaging, visitor experience, and media relations. Amy explains why clear and consistent messaging builds trust, how a thoughtful visitor experience inspires people to return, and why strong media relationships can expand visibility without straining a tight budget. Links from the Episode:Getting Visitors Through Your Museum's Doors EbookInterested in consulting? Email Amy here. More Free Resources for Mu...
2025-12-2310 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 49: Featuring Hannah Gaston from the Small Museum AssociationIn this episode, Amy talks with Hannah Gaston from the Small Museum Association to explore why conferences are so important for small museums and how they provide connection, inspiration, and community. The Small Museum Association is an all-volunteer organization that supports small museums across the mid-Atlantic and beyond. They hold an annual conference every February. Hannah serves as the conference’s co-coordinator for speakers and is also the Director of Education at Liberty Hall Museum, a historic house museum in Union, NJ.Links from the Episode:Small Museum AssociationSmall Museum Association ConferenceMore Free Re...
2025-12-0930 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 48: The 2026 Planning Calendar is Here!In this episode, Amy talks about the 2026 edition of the Planning Calendar for Museums, her most popular free resource for museum professionals. She shares how planning transforms both team collaboration and visitor experiences. Links from the Episode:Planning Calendar for Museums More Free Resources for Museums:Getting Visitors Through Your Museum's Doors EbookMuseum Metrics TemplateAbout the host: Amy Kehs is a brand strategist and communications expert for museums. She has owned Kehs Communications since 2000 and has worked for the most renowned and well-loved museums in Washington, D.C. He...
2025-11-2511 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 47: Featuring Your Digital Docent, Kathryn JonesIn this episode, Amy talks to Kathryn Jones, also known as Your Digital Docent. Kathryn is on a mission to read every single exhibit label in every Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. Her thoughtful project explores how slowing down changes the way we experience museums. Featured in The Washington Post and on NBC News, Kathryn documents her progress, reflections, and discoveries as she invites others to look closer and find meaning in the details.Links from the Episode:@digitaldocent on Tiktok @Digitaldocent_ on Instagram Your Digital Docent on FacebookWashington Post ArticleSupport KathrynAmy’s Food Revolution Blog...
2025-11-1129 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 46: Museums in the MoviesOn this special Halloween episode, Amy looks at how Hollywood portrays museums in movies. From the Sanderson Witch Museum in Hocus Pocus to exhibits that come to life in Night at the Museum, she shares lighthearted takeaways for museum professionals about storytelling, engagement, and using pop culture to inspire programming and marketing. Grab your popcorn and your pumpkin spice latte and enjoy this spooky cinematic detour!Links from the Episode:Hocus Pocus: IMDbNight at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: IMDbThomas Crown Affair: IMDbNational Treasure: IMDbIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade: IMDbCaptain America: The Winter Soldier...
2025-10-2812 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 45: Email, Your Museum’s Most Underrated Marketing ToolYour museum’s email list is one of the most effective and underused tools for building lasting relationships with your audience. Amy shares how to make your subscribers feel like VIPs and one simple repurposing trick that saves time and gets results. Don’t forget to grab the Flodesk discount code in the links below!Links from the Episode:Flodesk Discount CodeJoin my Email ListMore Free Resources for Museums:EbookMuseum Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics TemplateAbout the host: Amy Kehs is a brand strategist and communications expert for museums. She h...
2025-10-1413 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 44: Growing Up a Museum Kid-Featuring the Kehs KidsIn this most-requested episode, Amy is joined by her kids to talk about what it was like growing up as “museum kids.” From favorite museums to behind-the-scenes memories, they share how those experiences shaped their curiosity about the world.Links from the Episode:Smithsonian’s Natural History MuseumSmithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology InstituteSmithsonian’s National Air and Space MuseumSmithsonian’s National Museum of Asian ArtNational Gallery of Art Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community MuseumSmithsonian Folklife FestivalGuggenheim Museum BilbaoMore Free Resources for Museums:Museum Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics TemplateAbout the host: A...
2025-09-3018 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 43: From Idea to Impact - My Business Anniversary StoryIn this episode, Amy celebrates the 25th anniversary of her business, Kehs Communications, by sharing her journey “from idea to impact.” She reflects on the stages of her business—idea, independence, inspiration, investment, and impact—and how each phase paralleled shifts in museum communications over the past quarter century. From the early days of websites and email to today’s focus on building community and deeper connections, Amy traces both her own growth and the evolving landscape of museum marketing.Links from the Episode:Send me an email: amy@lovemymuseum.comBook a call.Read my ebook.Mo...
2025-09-1610 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 42: Summer Book Club Wrap UpIn this episode, Amy wraps up the Love my Museum Summer Book Club series with a thoughtful recap of what was covered throughout the summer. She reflects on the progress museum professionals have made and answers frequently asked questions from listeners about how to keep moving forward. From clarifying your story to strengthening your media outreach, this final episode offers practical encouragement, clear next steps, and a reminder that the work museums are doing truly matters.This is part of Amy’s Summer Book Club series based on her free ebook, “Getting Visitors Through Your Museum’s Doors...
2025-09-0220 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 41: Building Relationships with the MediaMedia coverage can do more than raise awareness. It can build trust and bring new visitors through your doors. But how do you get the media to notice your museum when you don’t have a PR team or a big marketing budget?In this episode, Amy shares tips for building genuine relationships with reporters and other content creators in your community. You’ll learn what makes a museum story pitch-worthy, how to introduce yourself to journalists, and why relationships are the key to getting noticed.Whether you’re brand new to media outreach or just n...
2025-08-1911 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 40: Your Digital Front DoorBefore visitors ever walk into your museum, they visit your website, check your hours on Google, scroll through your Instagram posts, or skim a TripAdvisor review. That’s your digital front door and in this noisy world, it matters more than ever. In this episode, Amy explores how your digital presence shapes first impressions and offers practical ways to make it more welcoming, accurate, and aligned with your in-person experience.Links from the Episode:Museum Digital Assessment: Use code SUMMER100 for $100 off until August 31, 2025.Download a free copy of the ebook: www.lovemymuseum.com/ebookListen to th...
2025-08-0513 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 39: Creating An Amazing Visitor JourneyA great museum visit doesn’t start at the front door. It begins the moment someone hears about your museum. And it doesn’t end when they walk out, either. In this episode, Amy explores how to shape the full visitor experience from start to finish. She breaks down what it means to be intentional about every stage of the journey…before, during, and after the visit…as well as why these touchpoints matter more than ever. From what guests see online to how they’re welcomed in person and whether they hear from you again, it all adds up to a la...
2025-07-2210 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 38: Define Your Museum’s Unique StoryWhat makes your museum stand out? In this episode, Amy talks about how to define your museum’s unique story and why getting clear on your message can guide your decisions, deepen your impact, and help your audience connect with you on a whole new level.Get simple prompts to help you uncover what makes your museum memorable and how to use that story across everything from programming to partnerships to social media. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to sharpen your message, this episode is here to help.This is part of Amy’s Su...
2025-07-0811 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 37: Becoming a Community MuseumIn this episode, Amy explores what it really means to be a community museum and why becoming a trusted, welcoming space doesn’t require a huge budget or a blockbuster exhibit. From button trades to community curators, she shares real-life examples of small museums creating big belonging. Amy also unpacks the idea that “every museum is a community museum” and shares the story of one of her favorite museums, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. This is part of Amy’s Summer Book Club series based on her free ebook, “Getting Visitors Through Your Museum’s Doors: Building Connec...
2025-06-2412 min
Big Profits, Small BusinessEp. 31 — Proving Them Wrong, with Amy KehsReally bad business advice didn't stop Amy. Her business is 25-years strong, and she continues to pivot, niche down, and align her business more and more with her dreams—earning what she wants, how she wants!Today, I chatted with Amy Kehs of Kehs Communications (est. 2000), and she'll tell you all about building a business you love—that lasts!You can connect with Amy on her website.Did you know you can hire me to be Virtual CFO for your business?! Schedule your FREE discovery call here. Or signup for our monthly newsletter for more tips and notes
2025-06-2433 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 36: Where Everybody Knows Your NameIn this episode, Amy explores the real secret to increasing museum attendance, and it’s not about one-time visits. It’s about building loyalty. Drawing on a heartwarming story from her own life and offering actionable advice from her ebook, Amy guides listeners through how museums can become places where visitors feel known, valued, and eager to return. She shares how to map the visitor life cycle and offers a practical prompt to help museums move from chasing numbers to building lasting relationships.This is part of Amy’s Summer Book Club series based on her free ebook...
2025-06-1010 min
Customers First PodcastBuilding Connection in a Noisy World with Amy KehsOn this episode of the Customers First podcast, I'm joined once again by Amy Kehs, a seasoned brand strategist and communication expert focused on enhancing the visitor experience in museums. With over two decades of experience in public relations, Amy has developed a deep understanding of how to foster meaningful connections between institutions and their audiences, particularly in the wake of the disruptions caused by the pandemic. In our discussion, Amy introduces her recently published ebook, "Building Connection in a Noisy World," which serves as a practical guide for museums striving to improve visitor engagement and retention...
2025-06-0329 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 35: Summer Book Club KickoffIn this episode, Amy kicks off the Love my Museum Summer Book Club; a special podcast and email series built around her free ebook, Getting Visitors Through Your Museum’s Doors: Building Connection in a Noisy World.Amy shares the inspiration behind the series and explains how the podcast episodes, weekly emails, and downloadable ebook all work together to support busy museum professionals who want to increase attendance and build deeper community connections.Listeners will hear why now is the time to focus on turning visitors into fans who bring a friend and how even sm...
2025-05-2709 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 34: From One-Time Visitor to Lifelong FanGetting people through your museum’s doors is important, but getting them to come back is essential for sustained growth. In this episode, Amy shares ideas to increase repeat visits through smart engagement, meaningful perks, and intentional communication. You’ll come away inspired and ready to make small changes that can lead to a big impact on your museum’s attendance and visitor loyalty.Links from the Episode:https://www.lovemymuseum.com/worktogetherMore Free Resources for Museums:Museum Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics TemplateAbout the host: Amy Kehs is a brand...
2025-05-1317 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 33: Top 10 Media Relations Questions (Part 2)Working with the media can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In part two of this two-part series, Amy answers five more of the most common questions museum professionals ask about media relations. This episode is full of practical tips to help you feel more confident and ready when it’s time to connect with the media and share your museum’s story.Links from the Episode:Episode 32: Top 10 Media Relations Questions (Part 1)More Free Resources for Museums:Museum Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics TemplateAbout the host: Amy Keh...
2025-04-2913 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 32: Top 10 Media Relations Questions (Part 1)Working with the media can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In the first of a two-part series, Amy answers the first five questions museum professionals most often ask about media relations. This episode is packed with real-world advice to help you feel more confident and prepared when it’s time to reach out to the media and share your museum’s story.Links from the Episode:Episode 13: Media Relations at Your MuseumMore Free Resources for Museums:Museum Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics TemplateAbout the host: Amy Keh...
2025-04-1517 min
PreserveCastLove Our Museums with Amy Kehs
Today we're chatting with Amy Kehs, a brand strategist and communications expert for museums. She has owned Kehs Communications since 2000 and has worked for the most renowned and well-loved museums in the Washington, D.C. area. Her goal is to ensure that museums thrive in the next century and she hopes people will come to love museums as much as she does. She is the creator of the Love my Museum suite of services, free and affordable support for museum professionals, including the Love my Museum podcast.
Learn more: https://www.lovemymuseum.com/
2025-04-1429 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 31: Celebrating One Year of Podcasting!It’s the first anniversary of the Love my Museum podcast! In this episode, host Amy Kehs reflects on the past year, shares how the show started, highlights favorite moments and most popular episodes, and gives a sneak peek of what’s coming next.Links from the Episode:Mentioned in this episode:Episode 2: Introducing the Love My Museum PodcastEpisode 3: Things I Know for SureEpisode 4: Putting Your People FirstEpisode 5: Planning the PlanningEpisode 9: Creating Brand Love for Your MuseumEpisode 26: Looking at the Next 90 DaysGuest Episodes:Episode 11: Featuring Tacey Atkinson — Host of the Custom...
2025-04-0114 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 30: Something New is Growing! Want to Help Shape It?On this episode of the podcast, Amy shares an unexpected story about lettuce—and how it is connected to something exciting she’s working on for museum professionals. Through a personal journey of learning, mentorship, and growth, Amy reflects on how practical guidance and community support can make a real difference for museum staff, especially those juggling multiple roles in small and mid-sized museums. Be sure to listen through to the end for a special announcement about a chance to win a Museum Digital Assessment!Links from the Episode:Fill out the questionnaire: https://forms.gle/1GLbR...
2025-03-1813 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 29: What I Heard at the Small Museum ConferenceIn this episode, Amy dives into a question that came up again and again at the Small Museum Association Conference—one that’s likely on your mind too. She breaks down why it matters, what might be holding museums back, and simple steps you can take to tackle it head-on.Links from the Episode:Small Museum AssociationMuseum Digital Assessment Episode with Discount CodeMore Free Resources for Museums:Museum Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics TemplateGet all of the free resources with one easy sign upAbout the host: Amy Kehs is a bra...
2025-03-0408 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 28: How Strong Is Your Museum’s Digital Presence?Museums work hard to create engaging, meaningful experiences for visitors once they walk through the door—but what about before they even get there? A visitor’s journey starts long before they step inside your museum. It begins online—with your website, social media, and email communication.In this episode of the Love my Museum podcast, Amy dives into why your digital presence matters just as much as your in-person experience. She shares practical action steps to make your website more visitor-friendly, improve social media engagement, and make the most of your email list.Stay tuned...
2025-02-1816 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 27: Love & Loyalty: Creating a Museum Visitors LoveWant visitors to fall in love with your museum, return again and again, and spread the word? In this episode of the Love my Museum podcast, Amy breaks down a proven PR strategy that builds museum loyalty and attracts new audiences. It all comes down to three key elements: authentic Brand Messaging, an Exceptional Visitor Experience, and positive Third-Party Endorsements that amplify your reputation. Tune in to learn why these three elements work together to create a strong, memorable brand that keeps visitors engaged and talking about your museum long after they leave.Links from the Episode:
2025-02-0410 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 26: Looking at the Next 90 DaysIf you’re not already doing quarterly planning at your museum, now’s the perfect time to start! In this episode, Amy talks about the best practices for quarterly planning for your museum. She also gives listeners three other things that can be looked at every quarter. It’s one of the best ways to make sure your museum doesn’t just survive—but thrives.Links from the Episode:Episode 5: Planning the PlanningWant more help with time audits and SOPs? Send me an email: amy@amykehs.comMore Free Resources for Museums:Museum Planning C...
2025-01-2112 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 25: New Year, New Habits For Your MuseumIt’s a new year, and that means it is the perfect time to build new habits that will set your museum up for success in 2025! In this episode of Love My Museum, Amy shares habits for creating a supportive work environment, streamlining planning, building effective workflows, and practicing consistency to make these habits stick. Links from the Episode:Free Museum Metrics TemplateFree Museum Planning Calendar Sign up to get all of the free Love my Museum resources delivered to your inbox: www.lovemymuseum.com/freeAbout the host: Amy Kehs...
2025-01-0713 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 24: My London Museum TourIn this episode, Amy shares stories from her solo trip to London last holiday season where she visited new museums and celebrated milestones. From exploring hidden gems like the Wallace Collection and the Charles Dickens Museum to soaking up the festive spirit at iconic spots like the Natural History Museum, this trip was a museum lover’s dream. Tune in for stories, insights, and a little holiday magic!Links from the Episode:The Serpentine GalleriesRoyal Albert Hall TourVictoria & Albert MuseumFrameless: The Ultimate Immersive Art ExperienceThe Wallace CollectionThe Zetland Arms PubNational Portrait GalleryNatural History MuseumCharles Dickens Museum
2024-12-2418 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 23: Featuring Mary Zell GalenIn this episode, Amy chats with Mary Zell Galen, an Architectural Survey Data Analyst at the Maryland Historical Trust. Mary Zell shares her journey into the museum field and offers practical advice for anyone aspiring to build a career in museums or historic preservation.Links from the Episode:Mary Zell Galen’s website: https://www.maryzell.com/Maryland Historical Trust: https://mht.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspxAmerican Alliance of Museums Job Website: https://aam-us-jobs.careerwebsite.com/Virginia Association of Museums Job Board: https://www.vamuseums.org/career-centerMore Free Resources for Museums:Love my...
2024-12-1017 min
Customers First PodcastUtilizing the Season to Enhance Customer Experience with Amy KehsOn this episode of the Customer's First Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome back Amy Kehs, a brand strategist and communication expert dedicated to enhancing museums' experiences through effective public relations. With a rich history in the museum sector and a successful business, Kehs Communications, she has focused on empowering museums through a unique initiative called Love My Museum. In our engaging conversation, we explore various strategies museums & other businesses can implement to enhance customer experiences during the holiday season, making each visit memorable for families and individuals. As we dive into the holiday season, Amy unveils...
2024-12-0343 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 22: Featuring Kira Pogge Brewka, The Authentic CommunicatorIn this episode, Amy talks with Kira Pogge Brewka, founder of Kira Pogge Creations and host of The Authentic Communicator podcast. Kira shares her insights on developing genuine communication strategies that resonate with audiences and enhance connection. Show Links:Where to find Kira: https://www.kirapogge.com/The Authentic Communicator PodcastAmy’s episode on The Authentic Communicator PodcastMore Free Resources for Museums:Join the Love my Museum Facebook GroupDownload the 2025 Planning CalendarMuseum Metrics Template
2024-11-2629 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 21: The Holidays at Your MuseumThe holiday season is a great time for museums to create special memories for their staff, their visitors and their community. In today’s episode, Amy shares lots of ideas that you can use at your museum to make this time of year special and meaningful.Blog Posts mentioned:Giving Thanks at Work Giving Back at WorkHoliday Magic at Your MuseumMore free resources:Join the Love my Museum Facebook GroupDownload the free planning calendar here: https://bit.ly/2025museumcal
2024-11-1213 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 20: The Love my Museum Planning CalendarThe 2025 Love my Museum Planning Calendar is here! In this episode, Amy talks about why she created the calendar and walks you through how to use it.Download the calendar here: https://bit.ly/2025museumcalAlso mentioned:Episode 5: Planning the PlanningJoin the Love my Museum Facebook Group
2024-10-2917 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 19: Top 10 Takeaways from the Momentum Weekend WorkshopIn this episode, Amy shares her top 10 takeaways from the Momentum Weekend Workshop, her favorite conference of the year. Whether you're looking to engage visitors, strengthen your museum’s brand, or reignite your passion for museum work, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed.Join the Community:Looking for an accountability partner or a community of fellow museum professionals? Join the free Love My Museum Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovemymuseumResources Mentioned:Blog post on content repurposing with Jeff SiehMomentum Weekend Workshop by Lou Mongello...
2024-10-1517 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 18: Finding Your MomentumIn this episode, Amy talks about momentum and finding momentum in your career. She tells a story about a pivotal moment in her career and how she found the momentum she needed through a conference and an amazing supportive community. Mentioned in the Show:Lou Mongello: https://www.loumongello.com/Love my Museum Facebook Group, a community for museum professionals: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovemymuseum
2024-10-0110 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 17: Top 10 PR Quotes and What You Can Learn From ThemIn this episode, Amy shares her top 10 public relations quotes and what museums can learn from them. Free Resources:New Love my Museum Facebook Group, a community for museum professionals: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovemymuseumCheck out the website at: www.lovemymuseum.com
2024-09-1714 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 16: 10 Things for the "Plan Your Visit" Website PageIn this episode, Amy shares the 10 things you need for a successful “Plan Your Visit” page on your museum's website. This page is often your visitors' first experience with your museum and you want to make a good impression. Free Resources:Museum Metrics Tracker Template: https://bit.ly/amysmuseummetricsPlanning Calendar for Museums: https://bit.ly/2024museumcalPeople First Framework Guide for Museums: https://bit.ly/4PSguide_lovemymuseumCheck out the website at: www.lovemymuseum.com
2024-09-0309 min
The Authentic CommunicatorEpisode 5: Featuring Amy KehsI'm so grateful to Amy for being on the show!! Her story is truly inspiring, unique, and shows us that we can absolutely help others and build a business by taping into our passions and sharing our voices authentically. Visit Amy's website and subscribe here to learn more about her brand and communications services!Check out her podcast Love My Museum here!You can also connect with Lisa over on social in the following places!InstagramLinkedIn
2024-09-011h 04
Love my MuseumEpisode 15: My Most Frequently Asked Question From MuseumsAmy shares the question she is asked the most by museums and the answer. Resources Mentioned:Episode 10: Brand Messaging for your Museum Join the Love my Museum Facebook GroupFree Resources:Museum Metrics Tracker Template: https://bit.ly/amysmuseummetricsPlanning Calendar for Museums: https://bit.ly/2024museumcalPeople First Framework Guide for Museums: https://bit.ly/4PSguide_lovemymuseumCheck out the website at: www.lovemymuseum.com
2024-08-2011 min
Love my MuseumEpisode 14: How To Do a Communications AuditIn this really short episode, Amy walks you through a Do-it-Yourself communications audit for your museum. Doing a communications audit will give you that birds eye view of all of the places you use your brand messaging for your museum.Resources Mentioned:Blog Post: https://www.lovemymuseum.com/blog/audit-your-messagingBook a Call: https://bit.ly/20wAKFree Resources:Museum Metrics Tracker Template: https://bit.ly/amysmuseummetricsPlanning Calendar for Museums: https://bit.ly/2024museumcalPeople First Framework Guide for Museums: https://bit.ly/4PSguide...
2024-08-0609 min