Case Study
PUBLIC RELATIONSAfter nearly 30 years in downtown Bellingham, Mindport Exhibits made the difficult decision to permanently close in 2024. The science and art museum had long been a cherished part of the downtown Bellingham community—welcoming thousands of visitors, inspiring curiosity and fostering creativity.
Overview
PR strategies guide Mindport Exhibits through graceful closure
To support a thoughtful and community-focused transition, Mindport’s executive director, Tallie Jones, partnered with Patti Goethals Rowlson of Bellingham PR & Communications in March 2024. Over the course of 13 months, Rowlson provided guidance and support to the organization, from preliminary strategy development through post-closure projects.
The collaboration began with the development of a PR and communications strategy that outlined how and when Mindport would share the news of its closure. A detailed timeline helped ensure announcements were made with clarity, warmth and transparency and that a variety of communications projects were completed on time.
Testimonial
“You helped turn something difficult into something also beautiful. I can’t thank you enough. Your support was so generous and essential.”
Tallie Jones, Mindport executive director
Crafting a custom plan
Strategic planning and executive support
Keeping the community engaged during the museum’s final months and encouraging people to visit one more time before closure were key goals. Patti helped manage Mindport’s social media accounts where she created thoughtful content, monitored public reactions and responded on behalf of the museum to community comments with positive energy, compassion and professionalism.
From helping to shape messaging to reviewing public responses, Patti provided one-on-one support, serving as a trusted consultant and sounding board.
As part of that effort, Bellingham PR also developed talking points for staff and a media kit for local news outlets.
Social media responses reflect positivity and optimism.
This advertisement ran on screens at The Pickford Film Center leading up to the closure.
Social media responses acknowledge sadness, express gratitude.
Children of the Setting Sun Executive Director Darrell Hillaire and Mindport Executive Director Tallie Jones.
Spreading the news
Clear communication, consistent messaging help alert the Whatcom County community
Two key media releases were written and distributed—one to announce the decision to close and another ahead of the museum’s final day.
Release #1
Mindport Exhibits to close after almost 30 years of inspiring visitors
Mindport Exhibits, a downtown Bellingham fixture since it opened in 1995, has announced its intent to close permanently in fall 2024.
Founded almost three decades ago by friends Kevin Jones, Robin Burnett and Joe Edwards as an experimental project, the interactive museum has been a destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique space for exploration and learning at the intersection of art and science. One-of-a-kind, interactive exhibits, hand-built by staff, have provided numerous opportunities for discovery and education to visitors from Whatcom County and around the world.
…
The second release highlighted its final weeks of operation, invited the public to free admission events and shared details about the building’s future. The building was gifted to Children of the Setting Sun, an Indigenous-led nonprofit arts and culture group based in Bellingham, Washington.
Release #2
Historic Arts District building gifted to local Indigenous-led nonprofit
A historic building in the heart of Bellingham’s Arts District has been gifted to Children of the Setting Sun Productions, an Indigenous-led nonprofit that brings Coast Salish stories and teachings together for social and environmental change.
Mindport Exhibits has occupied the building at 210 W. Holly Street since 2001, but Tallie Jones, executive director, announced earlier this year, the interactive museum will permanently close this fall.
FAQ documents were also created to support both staff and the public. The public-facing version was posted online and handed out to museum visitors, ensuring transparency and consistency in messaging.
Mindport website FAQ
PR placement
Press management helps spread news throughout the community
Inside Mindport in May 2024, during the final months of the museum’s 29-year run in Bellingham.
Visual identity
Graphic design reinforces message, brand
In addition to public relations and campaign strategy, BPRC handled all graphic design in-house. This included creating digital and print ads, social media graphics, signage and promotional materials for Mindport’s closure announcements and events.
That BPRC managed both messaging and visuals under one roof made the process more efficient and cohesive, all while reducing the workload for Mindport staff and leadership during a sensitive and emotional time.
The final word
Community engagement and lasting impact
In the end, Mindport’s closure was widely seen not as a loss but as a transition. Community members expressed gratitude for what the museum offered and shared enthusiasm for what comes next. With the support of Bellingham PR & Communications, Mindport’s farewell was marked with intention, care and deep respect for the people it served.
To commemorate the museum’s final chapter, Patti worked with Tallie to design a custom photo book documenting Mindport’s last days.
The book now serves as a keepsake for those closely connected to the museum’s legacy.
Proactive, effective PR and communications by an experienced, trusted and recommended LOCAL BUSINESS.
Patti Goethals Rowlson, founder and communications director, has experience with PR consulting, copywriting, media relations, graphic design, email mail marketing and social media management–all the tools necessary to manage public relations and communications for Whatcom County businesses and nonprofits.
