The Field Museum of Natural History (Field Museum) is home to nearly 40 million specimens and artifacts across 32 exhibits composed of natural and cultural wonders. Field Museum, whose name honors museum donor and history savant Marshall Field, has been telling stories since the museum’s opening at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. In 1921, the Field Museum permanently relocated to its current location on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois.
Megan Williams, Director of Business Enterprises, has been with the museum for over 21 years and her role focuses on revenue generation, with oversight of Special Events, Group Sales Tourism, the Museum’s restaurants and retail shops onsite and at O’Hare International Airport and Vending. One of Williams’ top priority is offering visitors an opportunity to “take a memory home” — a goal supported by the Innovative FOTO photo kiosk. The kiosk is a self-service museum staple that allows guests to capture their experience as a keepsake souvenir.
“The nice thing about these photos is that they’re tangible,” says Williams. “Providing photo opportunities enables guests to share their favorite museum memories with friends and family for years to come.”
Williams works with Mike Bamrick, Regional Sales Manager, Innovative FOTO, to ensure the Field Museum photo kiosk has the latest software updates and technologies, which in turn, provides the best photo experience for guests.
“We’ve had the photo kiosk since I’ve been with the Field Museum,” says Williams. “It’s a simple way to enhance the museum experience and remind guests that their experience and memories are our top priority.”
The photo kiosk at the Field Museum sits on the ground level of the Museum near the Explorer Café and can be used by guests without the help of a Field Museum employee. After taking the photos, the guests’ images print on a Field Museum-branded photo strip, providing a unique way to commemorate their visit.
For Williams and the Field Museum team, museum success comes down to the guest experience. “The Field Museum is a beautiful place for locals and tourists alike to visit and learn about different pieces of history. The Field Museum works hard to showcase and tell the story of each artifact — as well as to make sure our guests enjoy their experience and leave with their own story.”
