Much has happened over the past few weeks at the museum. Over the course of these two weeks I have helped set up a floors worth of exhibits, learned to catalog items, and assisted in various other tasks for the museum.
The exhibit I helped set up is that of Grace Smyth, a prominent artist born in Salem. A majority of the works on display were given on loan from various citizens of the town. We also had quite the break as Ms. Smyth’s niece and her husband drove down from Kentucky in order to drop off several pieces of work. They brought in several paintings, ceramic sculptures, and even a replica Japanese house. One of these ceramic sculptures was that of a teenage black girl. While examining this piece we were able to find the identity of the girl. While the person whose likeness was used has since passed on we were able to find her younger sister who came into the museum to view it (pictured below). It was a moving experience to witness someone connect to her past such as this; she even stated that it looked exactly as her sister had.
I also learned how to access and enter information into the museum database. I never realized how much information is required for even the smallest of objects. I have also learned to appreciate the organization that the database provides when looking for materials; it beats aimlessly looking for something.
I have also completed other various tasks around the museum: I helped organize costumes for the kids that will be attending the camp that the museum is hosting, I learned how to do minor repairs to picture frames, and I also had the prestigious honor of labeling and filling the envelopes for our monthly newsletter.
Overall I am really enjoying my time at the Salem Museum. It feels how a town museum should, friendly and warm. The people who visit museum are also a great part of the experience as they are always friendly. I am extremely pleased with learning the basics of public history while helping out this great museum.