Behind the Scenes at SMA: People Profiles

Name: Mike DiPaolo

SMA Position: President

Museum: Executive Director, The Lewes Historical Society, Lewes, Delaware

When did you first become involved with SMA?

First attended the SMA conference in 2002 and joined the conference committee in 2004; elected to the Board in 2005.

Why did you want to join the board?

I wanted to join SMA’s board because it is a group of great people who are committed to the impact small museums can have on their communities. We realize we’re all in the same boat!

What is the best thing about SMA?

The best thing about SMA is the people; we’re dedicated and know we have to have fun with what we do while at the same time conduct ourselves professionally – both with SMA and at our museums.

What do you hope to see SMA do in the future?

I would like to see SMA expand our offerings using the web in an affordable and inclusive way to museums both within our core region of the MidAtlantic and nationally but in a measured way that makes sense for the organization. I also know SMA runs perhaps the best museum conference in the nation at the most affordable price – bar none.

When you’re not busy with SMA, what else do you do?

I serve on the Board of the Delaware Museum Association, Preservation Delaware, the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association and the Delaware Tourism Alliance. I’m a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Advisors and was appointed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner to the Delaware Archives Commission.

Photo: Mike and son William at SMA Conference 2010.