Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought applied to museum work?

    Posted 07-29-2025 01:25 PM

    Dear All

    What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought  applied to museum work? I am wondering how life teaches us things that we don't expect to apply to other things in life and work. I believe that life can do this and that we all learn from it. I enjoy all responses.

    Thanks,

    Rachel



    ------------------------------
    Rachel Alschuler
    Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought applied to museum work?

    Posted 07-30-2025 07:41 AM

    It's perhaps a lighthearted answer but any time I am asked a version of this question, especially in a career day type of situation talking to students, I tell them they will still need to do plenty of math. From budgets to making wall layouts for exhibitions, I use math all the time, including percentages, fractions, and conversions between inches and centimeters. Obviously calculators, the internet, and now AI help, but you have to know what you are asking.



    ------------------------------
    Laura Vookles
    Chair, Curatorial Department
    Hudson River Museum
    Yonkers NY
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought applied to museum work?

    Posted 07-30-2025 01:13 PM

    Dear Laura

    Yeah, I am sure and helps. And to make sure an exhibit is hung right. 

    Thanks,

    Rachel



    ------------------------------
    Rachel Alschuler
    Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought applied to museum work?

    Posted 07-31-2025 01:17 PM

    YES!!!! THIS!!! 

    I am glad I enjoy math and problem solving - because so much math. 

    Another thing
    - from a stint as a busboy years ago - if you are going from Point A to Point B, don't go empty handed. Something needs to be taken from point A to Point B (or thereabouts).
    - from a job as a bagger at a grocery store - I never imagined how much I would need to be able to drive a pallet jack...
    - And never brag about how you used to do the job someone is doing unless you are commending them on the job they are doing. They hate it as much as you did when you used to have to do crap tasks for low pay. Especially when the salary you were paid 20-40 years ago was closer to a living wage. If they are having a problem doing something, ask them if they need help. Don't automatically assume they need you to show them how to do it.

    My 2 cents.
    Cheers!

    Dave K.



    ------------------------------
    David Kennedy ()
    Curator of Collections and Exhibits
    US Marshals Museum
    Fort Smith, AR
    dkennedy@usmmuseum.org
    (479) 709-3766
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought applied to museum work?

    Posted 07-31-2025 08:53 AM

    Retail experience and not because of the gift shop - more for conflict resolution with event vendors and people wanting to touch objects too large to go behind an affordable display case. 

    Knowing the acronyms for all 50 U.S. states. 

    Basic math (including averages and percentages), AI, surveys to gather information to benefit the public, basic construction experience for exhibits (using a level, hammer, screwdriver, nails...), etc. 



    ------------------------------
    Meghan Foster
    Museum & Visitor Center Director and City Events Coordinator (Head of Tourism and Events)
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: What is the one thing you have learned in life that you would not have thought applied to museum work?

    Posted 07-31-2025 12:36 PM

    Dear Meghan

    Thanks, I understand how all of that works and can be an asset in life. 

    Rachel



    ------------------------------
    Rachel Alschuler
    Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content