About Spark! Interpretive
​Principal consultant Danielle Steinmann has spent her career sparking curiosity in audiences through ideas and stories. The thread that connects her work is her fundamental belief that culture and knowledge should be relevant and welcoming to everyone. For over 25 years, she led interpretive, public programming, and education strategies at museums, conservation organizations, and historic sites including: the Trustees of Reservations, Hancock Shaker Village, and the Clark Art Institute.​
​​
Philosophy
These are the guiding principles of our work.
Creative
At Spark! we have faith in the process of creation, even if it’s sometimes messy and the results unexpected. We like to try new ideas and test them out, making changes along the way based on feedback and new information.
Collaborative
We believe in a work environment of trust and mutual respect. We all bring strengths to the table, and when diverse perspectives are embraced, the results are stronger.
Inclusive
We prioritize diversity and accessibility in everything we do. We believe in shared authority. Our goal is to inspire curiosity and empower audiences to form their own conclusions.
Selected
Professional
Experience
2024 - Present
Spark! Interpretive Consulting
​​
-
Interpretive planning and strategy development
-
Interpreter/tour guide training​
-
Creating digital and analog interpretive tools: project management, research, writing, and editing
-
Audience surveys and focus groups
-
Program Evaluation
-
Grant Writing
2014-2023
Director of Visitor Interpretation
The Trustees of Reservations, MA
Provided strategic direction for visitor interpretation efforts: digital, onsite, and in-person, for over 120 Trustees properties, including three National Historic Landmarks, with over 2 million annual visitors.
2010-2012
Associate Director of Interpretation and Public Programs
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, MA
Planned, designed, and implemented targeted programming for adult, school, and family audiences. Oversaw development and logistics for 20+ annual public programs including: hands-on workshops, Shaker Suppers, talks, and tours serving 1000+ participants. Created “Shaker Architecture: A Model for Today,” a K-5 curriculum and teacher professional development program serving 200+ students.
2007-2012
Visiting Faculty
Art History and Museum Studies
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, MA Bennington College, VT
2004-2009
Assistant Curator of Education
Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, MA
​
Provided oversight and direction for education department initiatives including: public programs and community partnerships, training and managing volunteer docents and gallery lecturers. Developed K-12 curricula, teacher professional development programs, and multimedia interpretive materials.
Selected Conference
Presentations
American Alliance of Museums
​
“Falling Forward: Prototyping and Deeper Engagement”
“Cultural Frameworks Matter in Museum Education”
​
New England Museum Association
“Visitor-Centered Interpretive Planning”
Education
Master of Arts, History of Art
Institute of Fine Arts
New York University
Cosmopolitan Americans in the Gilded Age: The Portraits of John Singer Sargent
(Linda Nochlin, advisor)
In the Palm of Your Hand: The Art of Early European Playing Cards (Colin Eisler, advisor)
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude
Wellesley College
Art History and French Studies
Education Intern, Davis Museum and Cultural Center