As a part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the Arthur Ross Gallery is presenting a talk by Ford W. Bell, the president of the American Alliance of Museums, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 22, at the Class of 1978 Pavilion on the sixth floor in Van Pelt Library, 3420 Walnut St., on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Bell’s talk,  “Museums and Communities in the 21st Century,” will address the dynamic role of museums and how it has evolved over time.   He will discuss how museums today are better able to engage communities through educational outreach, special programs and various other projects in the areas they serve.

“Museums and Communities in the 21st Century” is free and open to the public.

As the largest museum service organization, the American Alliance of Museums serves all types of museums, including art, history, science, botanic gardens, zoos and aquariums by developing standards and best practices, offering professional training and resources and serving as the national voice of museums for the public, media and elected officials.