Museum Studies Inaugural Year This month marks the completion of the inaugural year of the Graduate Museum Studies program at Western Illinois, and we are really getting busy. We've been getting our feet wet in several area museums and institutions and the ball is rolling. Currently students are working on several exhibitions in area museums including the Figge Art Museum, Rock Island Arsenal Museum, and the Putnam Museum. Also, we have successfully established a strong presence on the web through our Facebook page, our blog, and our new Museum Studies website. These have proven to be excellent communication forums. Visit one or all of them and you will be able to read about some of our student activities over the last semester, look at some fun photos, and receive general information about our program if you would like to find out more about us! This semester has been filled with many fun field trips and museum events, and we've got many more wonderful experiences planned, so you should check in with us often! In addition, the summer looks to be quite eventful for Museum Studies. Students will be participating in several workshop and practicum opportunities throughout the Quad City area and beyond. We can't wait to hear their stories when they return and share them with you. Also, we have formally introduced our new Museum Studies student organization GEMS (Graduate Experience in Museum Studies). Officers are President Josh Terronez (Rock Island, IL), Vice President Melanie Stimmel (Iowa City, IA), Secretary Anya Bishop (Cresco, IA), and Treasurer Christine Deemer (Fort Madison, IA). We will be out and about this summer at various events in the Quad Cities. Finally, we would like to thank all of the wonderful museum professionals from around the area that have come to our classes or opened their museums to our program in support of our education in museums. The Quad City area has many wonderful museums and we are thrilled at the opportunity to be working with you all. It greatly enhances our experience and education. Have a great summer! See you in the Fall!
Josh Terronez, Museum Studies Graduate Assistant
Student Kelly Lao, Rock Island, IL photographs objects for an upcoming exhibit at the Putnam Museum in Davenport, IA.
Students Kelly Lao and Noelle Schriefer at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL.
Student Megan Crowley views objects for display in exhibition at the Putnam Museum in Davenport.
Museum Studies Website.