Preserving History and Culture: My Journey as a Museum Curation Intern.

Introduction

Museum curation is more than selecting objects to display; it involves storytelling, research, and preserving history and culture for future generations. My internship in museum curation provided a unique glimpse into the intricate work behind creating compelling exhibitions.

Why I Chose a Museum Curation Internship

I’ve always been fascinated by history and art, and museums offer the perfect blend of both. I was drawn to museum curation because of its role in educating the public and preserving valuable artefacts. The chance to work directly with objects, research their stories, and help create exhibitions was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Responsibilities of a Museum Curation Intern

As an intern, my role encompassed a variety of tasks, allowing me to experience the full scope of curation:

• Researching artefacts: I was responsible for researching objects in the museum’s collection to better understand their historical and cultural context.
• Assisting with exhibit design: I helped the curatorial team design exhibitions, deciding how to best display artefacts and tell cohesive stories through them.
• Cataloguing collections: Organizing and cataloguing museum collections was a key part of the internship. This involved documenting artefacts, noting their condition, and ensuring their proper storage.
• Educational programs: I assisted with developing educational materials and tours to engage visitors and teach them about the exhibitions.
• Conservation efforts: While I didn’t handle the actual restoration, I learned about conservation techniques and the importance of preserving artefacts in optimal conditions.

Skills I Developed

• Research and analysis: I honed my ability to dig into the history of objects, learning to analyse their significance and use research to create compelling narratives.
• Exhibition design: Understanding how to structure an exhibition so that it educates, informs, and captivates visitors was one of the most rewarding aspects of the internship.
• Attention to detail: From cataloguing artefacts to ensuring their safe handling, working in a museum requires precise attention to detail.
• Public engagement: Developing educational programs and interacting with visitors taught me how to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way.

Challenges I Faced

One of the most challenging aspects was balancing the need for both academic rigour and public accessibility in exhibitions. While it was tempting to dive deep into historical details, I had to remember that the goal was to create an experience that all visitors could enjoy. Another challenge was the meticulous nature of cataloguing. Ensuring every artefact was accurately documented and preserved required patience and careful organisation.

Key Takeaways

• The power of storytelling: Curating a museum exhibit is about telling a story. The arrangement of artefacts, the accompanying text, and the overall flow must come together to create an educational and emotionally engaging experience for visitors.
• Research is the backbone of curation: I learned that research is essential not only for understanding the objects themselves but also for understanding the broader cultural, historical, and social contexts they come from.
• Conservation matters: Preserving the physical integrity of artefacts is crucial. I gained a deep respect for the work that goes into maintaining and restoring historical items.

Advice for Aspiring Museum Curators

1. Develop strong research skills: Curation is deeply rooted in research. The more adept you are at researching, the more insightful your exhibitions will be.
2. Stay organised: Keeping track of artefacts, research, and exhibition plans requires excellent organisational skills.
3. Learn to balance information with storytelling: Striking a balance between academic research and creating a compelling narrative for the public is essential in curation.

Conclusion

My museum curation internship was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to contribute to the preservation of culture and history. Through a combination of research, design, and public engagement, I was able to help create exhibits that not only educated but also inspired visitors. If you have a passion for history, art, and storytelling, a museum curation internship can offer invaluable insights and skills for a future in this field.