My philosophy is to create an immersive space that allows visitors to meander and explore while encountering elements of surprise. People learn and take in information differently. I like to find opportunities for engagement to deploy Freeman Tilden’s approach to informal educational through techniques like sight, touch, and narration to connect with individuals in the way they best process information. My goal is to have people walk away, look at their own surroundings, and connect what they have experienced to their own lives. Perhaps they will develop an understanding about their own world and how decisions in the past and present have affected them today. 

Below are a few examples of curated exhibitions I conceptualized and executed at the Monroe County History Center. As the Exhibits Manager, I worked to connect the audience and community to the exhibit themes, aesthetics, and interpretations. The exhibitions ranged from historic accounts to contemporary issues. Materials used included photographs, textiles, objects, archives, and graphics from the museum's collection. When possible, I included loans from other institutions and collaborations with community members. The variety of material allowed me to use them in different ways to interpret multiple points of view that delight and challenge perspectives.

I used original research from the museum's archives and worked with local people to create the exhibits. Working with inspiring community members, museum colleagues, and artists helped shape my vision for museum curation and where it is headed. I consider these collaborations key to creating an exhibition that supports all voices and their experiences.

2010, INDIANA BARN PAINTINGS

Partnering with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the Heritage Barns of Indiana Project is an on-going painting project by Gwen Gutwein. She is striving to paint at least two old or historic barns from each of Indiana’s 92 counties. Along with the paintings, Gwen collects each barn’s distinctive history,

2010, BLOOMINGTON IN BLOOM

In 2010, Bloomington, Indiana was one of several cities in competition for the America in Bloom award. The exhibition, partnering with the Bloomington Photography Club, featured images of Bloomington at its finest. The exhibition was part of the judge’s tour around the community. Bloomington was named the top America in Bloom community in the population category. 

2010, CAROL WISE:  MAKING CLOTHES MAKING DO

Carol Wise, a former local historical reenactor and seamstress, made all of her and her children's clothes. She created many of the period pieces for Conner Prairie and the Wylie House Museum. Carol gifted the Monroe County History Center many of her family handmade outfits, which inspired the creation of this exhibit. A featured piece was her grandmother’s wedding dress, worn by her mother, herself, and then Carol’s daughter on their wedding days. Each wearing was tailored to the fashion at the time.

Co-curating with Carrie Hertz, Curator of Textiles and Costumes at the Museum of International Folk Art

2011, CIVIL WAR: 150 YEARS

This exhibition celebrated all of the people who fought and died in the Civil War from Monroe County. I am especially proud of the graphic design work I created for the exhibit. Imagery can have a big impact on visitors. It enhances engagement while delivering the message of the exhibition. 

2012, CHILDREN OF THE CIVIL WAR

The subject of war can be a heavy topic, especially for kids. I was interested in developing an exhibit that featured stories from children during the American Civil War. Using primary sources and the museum's collection, I created an exhibit featuring the different experiences children had from the North and South. The goal was to let a younger audience identify with peers and learn from their experiences. 

2012, MONROE COUNTY CIVIL RIGHTS

Like the majority of America, Bloomington, Indiana also experienced its share of racial tension in the 1960s and beyond. The exhibit highlighted African American struggles on the IU Campus, fair housing and working conditions in town, and prominent individuals who fought to correct the wrongs.  

I worked with community leaders, primary sources, and the museum's collection to develop the narrative.

2013, ROARING 20's

This exhibition was inspired by Hoagy Carmichael's time at Indiana University from preforming at the Book Nook to his iconic suits. I worked with the Elizabeth Sage Collection for additional art deco accessories and used drop waist dresses from the collection. The highlight was researching the various speakeasies in the community.

2014, MoCos PREHISTORIC PAST

October is National Fossil Month. This exhibit highlighted the county's natural environment and how it has changed over millennia. To celebrate the pre-historic past I worked with the Glen Black Lab of Indiana University for loans of Ice Age animal bones found around the county. Indiana Academic standards were used when developing the labels. 

2015, JEFFREY WOLIN'S                                   PIGEON HILL: THEN & NOW

Historical Societies have a responsibility of including and representing all people in their communities. This exhibit was co-curated with photographer, Jeffery Wolin. During the 1980s as a reporter, he photographed people from the Pigeon Hill neighborhood after a murder. In 2011 he revisits his subjects after learning of another unfortunate death.

This exhibit reached an audience that rarely if ever came to the History Center. The reactions varied from excitement to tears. 

http://indianapublicmedia.org/arts/pigeon-hill-living-tale/