A pretty fantastic mission statement

From the Umbrella Cover Museum, in Maine:

"The Umbrella Cover Museum is dedicated to the appreciation of the mundane in everyday life. It is about finding wonder and beauty in the simplest of things, and about knowing that there is always a story behind the cover."

And if you'd rather read something standard and relevant to the course, but still nice, here's the mission statement from the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, which is very near and dear to my heart, since I spent many days there as an art history undergraduate student enrolled up the street at Johns Hopkins:

"The Walters Art Museum brings art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning. We strive to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. We are committed to exhibitions and programs that will strengthen and sustain our community."

On their mission page, but not within the statement, the Walters mentions that their collection is developed in "the public trust," stemming from the fact that the Walters art collection was bequeathed to the City of Baltimore. This has led to some really touching exhibitions and collaborations, as the Walters has made great effort to be an art museum that is civically engaged.