I was so very excited that I was able to come to campus in light of the issues surrounding Covid-19 and the possibility of not returning to campus. I consider my self a student who learns best with hands on approaches rather than other forms, Working with the Salem museum was something I was thrilled, to not only work under a Roanoke Alum but also to work in an actual museum and get to experience the inner workings of a museum. I had met Mr.Alex Burke in working on a paper last spring and when I was given the green light to work with him this Fall I was beyond excited. I have been interested in museum work both from a fine arts and a public history perspective. I have wanted to see what it would be like as both someone doing research in the museum archives and taking that information as an exhibit designer.
On my first day as an intern, Mr. Burke instructed me to look though each exhibit and take notes on how each one was laid out, what I liked about the exhibit, what could be improved upon and any questions I had after my own self tour around the building. I was able to see the various ways they can be handled through object handling, signage and both visual and literary mediums. I enjoyed some exhibits more than others and enjoyed topics more than others. I overall was thankful that it allowed me to see the various ways information could be presented to the public. My favorite exhibit had to be the presentation of local artist Walter Biggs the exhibit looked similar to that of a parlor. There were various works of Biggs and other artists hung up on the walls, cabinets of various antiques and places in which viewers could sit and experience the art on their own time. The museum uses a topic or theme for each exhibit rather than converting the building to a visual timeline which these two ways of presenting material can vary from institution to institution.
