The Lab
The Peale is Baltimore’s Community Museum.
Let's Experiment
At the intersection of creativity, technology, and public good, The Lab @ The Peale is more than a program—it’s a catalyst for transformation across the cultural sector. From cutting-edge digital storytelling to hands-on collaborations with artists, scholars, and technologists, the Lab is reimagining how museums and cultural institutions serve their communities in the 21st century.
The Lab prototypes bold ideas, supports experimental projects, and empowers cultural workers to challenge outdated systems through equity-focused design and collaborative innovation. Whether piloting a new AR experience in a city park, co-developing VR tours with local youth, or exploring the ethical implications of AI in heritage spaces, the Lab is committed to pushing boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in Baltimore’s cultural ecosystem.
The Lab @ The Peale: Advancing the Future of Cultural Connection
Core activities of The Lab include:
Prototyping Immersive Experiences: Developing and testing emerging media tools—from virtual reconstructions of historic spaces to mixed-reality artworks—while centering accessibility and community voice.
Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration: Partnering with universities, artists, nonprofits, and tech companies to create shared learning environments that benefit all involved.
Training and Mentorship: Offering fellowships, residencies, and internships that build capacity in digital storytelling, preservation, and inclusive design.
Public Programming and Field Research: Hosting salons, workshops, and experimental exhibits that invite public feedback and advance sector-wide conversations.
Anchored at The Peale—America’s first purpose-built museum—The Lab honors the legacy of civic engagement and innovation while imagining what comes next. It is a space of possibility, open to dreamers, disruptors, and doers committed to making culture more just, joyful, and resonant.
With a focus on technologies like augmented and virtual reality, immersive media, and interactive storytelling, the Lab explores new ways to connect audiences with history, art, and culture.
Led by Nancy Proctor, Ph.D., the Lab serves as an incubator for ideas that empower institutions and audiences alike—ensuring that museums and cultural organizations remain vital, relevant, and accessible to all.
About Nancy
Nancy Proctor, Ph.D., is a museum strategist, specializing in starting up and turning around non-profit organizations. Having led digital innovation at the Smithsonian, the Baltimore Museum of Art, and in the mobile sector, she joined The Peale in 2017 as its (re)founding director, overseeing the capital campaign and renovation of the museum’s historic building, and its relaunch as Baltimore’s Community Museum.
Today, Nancy leads The Lab @ The Peale, a visionary initiative dedicated to rethinking the future of museums and cultural organizations. Through The Lab, she empowers institutions to define their purpose, deepen community connections, and build resilient models for growth and impact. Nancy’s work continues to inspire a global movement toward more inclusive and innovative cultural spaces.
