Museum Studies Personal Statement

I have always had a passion for history and storytelling since I was a child and decided in seventh grade world history class that I wanted to be an archaeologist, discovering ancient cultures and uncovering their secrets. I maintained this plan, arriving at Boston University as an archaeology major but after several semesters of study realized that it wasn’t the exact path for me. I began to grow my appreciation of museums, admiring how they could ignite wonder, curiosity, and learning in myself and others. I realized this was where I felt most at home. Therefore, I decided to change my major to art history, while retaining an archaeology minor, and explore history through the lens of artist’s interpretations and ideas. This combination of …show more content…
I currently do not have a specific period of art I want to focus on, and am excited to delve deeper into the historical content of art as well as learning about best practices in display and museum management. Outside of academics, I love working with children and have worked with several museum education departments, as well as Jumpstart where I taught literacy skills to preschoolers. Children’s creativity and curiosity is invigorating and inspiring. I enjoy teaching and learning to view life and art in new ways through their eyes. This has caused me to consider focusing on a career in museum education, where I can continue captivating children’s wonder and curiosity by creating and sharing unique museum programming. I enjoy project management, organizing and implementing successful events. Whether helping organize the annual ceili as the public relations manager for my Irish dance team, Step About Boston, or developing an outreach event for the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, I enjoy seeing a project through all its phases, leading me to consider career fields such as curation. A graduate program that specializes in museum studies would encompass all these interests. I am also searching for a program …show more content…
Although I am not certain of my specific career path, I hope setting aside time for graduate study will support me in solidifying my passions and finding my purpose. However, in essence I wish to support and facilitate the magic of museums. I am moved by the times I was struck with awe looking at a dinosaur replica as a child, excited by stone tools from ancient societies as a teenager, or inspired by an artist’s dynamic brushstrokes as an adult. I want to internalize these experiences and connections, using my work to recreate them for others. Allowing visitors to forge unique memories while inspiring wonder is my ultimate