About
The Virtual Museum of Public Service
Public Service embodies the ethical principles of the common good, service to others, and social equity. The essential components of our society are largely carried out in the public sphere: education, health, justice and security, environmental protection, infrastructure and transportation, the arts, and more. Yet, the brilliant endeavors undertaken in government, nonprofit and volunteer settings are often overshadowed. Instead, public service is often oversimplified, receiving unjustified criticism as inefficient or inept.
The Virtual Museum of Public Service balances this stereotype, drawing upon digital representations of great works of visual art, film, video, and writing to depict the largely unrecognized achievements and sacrifices of individuals in the public service. Thereby, the museum reflects the lasting contributions that public servants have made to the public - in their communities, nations, and the world.
The museum has over 30 galleries for permanent and special exhibitions. Among these are galleries dedicated to Public Service as a Profession, Nonprofit Organizations, Women in Public Service, Security, Fire and Emergency Management, Science in Public Service, Philanthropy, Leadership in Public Service, and many more.
Mission
The Virtual Museum of Public Service aims to connect individuals with artistic representations of the societal value of public service. The museum is a tool for upholding these principles and illuminating the largely unrecognized achievements and sacrifices made by individuals, upon which the ethos of public service is built.
Help us with our mission to honor and reflect on the value of public service and become a supporting partner. Email ncppsuffolk@gmail.com today!
Museum Staff
Director
Marc Holzer
Assistant Director
Lois Warner
Museum Curation Team
Sasha Goldman
Mallory Sullivan
Chris Walsh
Miles Apfel
History of the Virtual Museum of Public Service
On October 16, 2012, the Virtual Museum of Public Service was launched at the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University-Newark. The innovative web-based project reflects the contributions public servants have made to their communities, nations, and the world.
In 2020, the VMPS was relaunched at the National Center for Public Performance at Suffolk University's Institute for Public Service. It reaffirms the belief that citizens-as-public servants are a priceless and necessary part of our lives and aims to inspire the best and brightest to careers that are socially responsible: in government, in non-profits, in philanthropic organizations, and as volunteers.
VMPS aspires to provide museum visitors with a highly immersive, visual experience as they explore the exhibitions and make discoveries.
Become a Supporting Partner
Partner with the Virtual Museum of Public Service to highlight the importance of public service!
We invite you to become a sponsor of the Virtual Museum of Public Service. All partners receive prominent recognition on our website and are invited to develop a named gallery. We would be happy to discuss with you how we can partner our services. Please email us at ncppsuffolk@gmail.com to learn more!