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We need more wet weather destinations
Holidaying in the north of England, Wales, and Scotland has shaped my perspective on this topic. Despite the UK’s well-earned reputation for wet weather, we often lack large indoor attractions, particularly in areas known for outdoor tourism. This raises an important question: How do museums help bridge this gap? Welcome to Heritage Thinking Differently , where we explore how institutions can adapt to our unpredictable climate. The Challenge of Wet Weather in Outdoor Tourist

Paul Baker
Mar 19, 20253 min read


How does Digital Mapping & Storytelling Improve Access?
How familiar are you with ‘Lidar’ 3D scanning in the cultural sector? Is it on your radar yet? My own experience with this technology is...

Paul Baker
Mar 12, 20253 min read


Are you a big fish in a small bowl? Or…
How well do you understand your target audience and catchment area? For some cultural sites, this is straightforward—particularly if they...

Paul Baker
Mar 4, 20253 min read


If you don't have a Strategy, that IS your strategy!
Many organisations operate without a formal, written strategic plan. Sound familiar? It’s understandable, we’re all busy. While most leaders have a vision in mind, that abstract roadmap might not be enough to drive meaningful progress. But what if I told you that a strategy does far more than just chart a course to success? Read on. This is Heritage Thinking Differently —exploring how a strong strategy can transform your organisation. “If you don’t know where you’re going, an

Paul Baker
Mar 3, 20253 min read


How many museums need be sacrificed?
Will we see a bonfire of museums? How many must close before we collectively say, "No more"? And if some survive while others disappear,...

Paul Baker
Feb 25, 20253 min read


How to Turn Your Commercial Offer into a Destination
Have you ever visited a museum and been drawn in not just by the exhibits, but by the inviting café, the well-curated gift shop, or the...

Paul Baker
Feb 23, 20254 min read


How does your cultural site sound?
Does your life have a musical soundtrack? Is every moment of drama or beauty accompanied by your personal playlist? This isn’t a new...

Paul Baker
Feb 18, 20253 min read


How Can a Mentor Help You Thrive?
Everyone, no matter their experience level, can benefit from a mentor or coach. The form this relationship takes and the goals it serves...

Paul Baker
Feb 16, 20253 min read


Can cultural sites out-run AI?
This could be my shortest blog ever because the simple answer is unfortunately: no. If you think otherwise, you may be fooling yourself....

Paul Baker
Feb 11, 20255 min read


Why Your Heritage Site Needs a Commercial Review (And How It Can Help You Thrive!)
So, your site is a well-oiled machine? Your commercial areas are performing at their peak, your fundraising strategy is rock solid, your...

Paul Baker
Feb 10, 20253 min read


The Fear of Admission Charges
I know this blog may alienate some of my colleagues in the sector. The debate around admission charges often feels polarised—either...

Paul Baker
Feb 5, 20254 min read


Shhh!, this blog is about, Museums we don’t speak of…
Keep this to yourself. Scattered across the country are museums that few people mention. When we discuss how museums are embracing new...

Paul Baker
Jan 29, 20254 min read


Welcome to Heritage Thinking Differently?
Take a moment to explore my website—it might just change the way you think about museums and heritage sites. It won’t cost you anything...

Paul Baker
Jan 27, 20252 min read


‘Let’s Dance’: How to get your visitors moving in museums!
Music has the power to move us—literally? Whether it's tapping a foot, swaying to the beat, or full-on dancing in the kitchen when no...

Paul Baker
Jan 22, 20253 min read


Why Cultural Sites Must Invest in Leadership Development
At the start of each year, I eagerly anticipate my annual leadership retreat. I refer to it as "my retreat" not out of ownership, but...

Paul Baker
Jan 17, 20254 min read


How understanding the Drama Triangle can help you be more effective
Over the years, I’ve developed a deep interest in the interpersonal dynamics of teams. Reflecting on my leadership journey, I often think...

Paul Baker
Jan 14, 20253 min read


Has the pandemic derailed a digital revolution?
For today’s Heritage Thinking Differently blog, I want to reflect on digital livestreaming technology. Where are you with online...

Paul Baker
Jan 7, 20254 min read


News: New Strategic Planning Programme Launch
“If you don’t know where you’re going any road will take you there” . Lewis Carol. Heritage Thinking Differently is proud to introduce...

Paul Baker
Jan 4, 20252 min read


Review #2: Taylors Bellfoundry Museum & Factory Tour
Museums are wonderfully diverse. Some are deeply embedded in their communities, offering valued services to a broad audience. Others,...

Paul Baker
Dec 30, 20244 min read


Are Museums a natural home for the neurodiverse employee?
Today’s Heritage Thinking Differently blog ventures into new territory: neurodiversity in the workplace. Much of the discussion around...

Paul Baker
Dec 17, 20244 min read


How the threat to museums has changed over time
Few will have missed the alarming number of museums reported as being at risk of closure in the past year. The museum sector has long...

Paul Baker
Dec 12, 20244 min read


The point we often miss when we talk about donations
How well do we truly understand the emotional and psychological benefits of giving to charity? Welcome back to the Heritage Thinking...

Paul Baker
Dec 8, 20243 min read


News: Heritage Thinking Differently to be new home for acclaimed strategic planning programme.
Heritage Thinking Differently to Offer Acclaimed Strategic Planning Programme A New Era for Strategic Planning in the Cultural Sector...

Paul Baker
Dec 5, 20243 min read


'Tis the Season... for Museum Shops to Shine
As we dive into the festive season, it never ceases to amaze me how underutilised museum retail remains at this time of year. There’s a...

Paul Baker
Nov 22, 20243 min read
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