Fostering Dialogue Among Community Stakeholders: A Museum‐Based Case Study of Public Health Engagement

This article examines how museums have expanded their societal roles, particularly in fostering community engagement, a shift highlighted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Once focused mainly on presenting established knowledge, museums now work to involve the public in exploring ideas that help them navigate a changing world. This evolution emphasizes the need for trust and inclusive dialogue, especially around sensitive issues. The pandemic exposed major public health inequities, particularly in communities of color, and pushed museums to respond to emerging community needs. This article presents a case study at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in which the museum engaged community stakeholders in structured dialogue about public health and community wellness following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Positioned within broader conversations about museums' changing roles, it offers practical strategies for movement toward authentic engagement and for building long‐term, collaborative relationships with community partners.