Burke Work: What We Do Behind the Glass

Authors:

• Morgan Stewart, Museology Graduate Program
• Chair: Meena Selvakumar
• Katie Anderson,
• Siri Linz,
• Andy Clark

Contact the authors

Abstract:

The Burke Museum’s ‘inside-out’ model offers advantages, as visitors are able to see the collections and watch staff work. This model is a response to the issue of disconnect between the public and museum collections, and is an effective step towards combatting the general misunderstanding of museum practice. However, there are still barriers to effective interpretation within the Burke’s visible collections and labs, as it is difficult for staff and volunteers to perform active, in-depth interpretation while working. A great deal of the interpretation is performed by volunteers, using small whiteboards with minimal explanations. This project attempts to provide collections staff with an alternate method of interpretation. The deliverable consists of two activity books following the processes of collection, cataloging, storage, and research in the Burke’s archaeology and paleontology collections. The books were created using interviews with collection workers and researchers, with input from collections managers in archaeology and paleontology, as well as the Burke’s Tribal liason, DEAI coordinator, and staff members in the education department. All art in the books was hand-drawn, sketched digitally and inked traditionally. The books will be available through the Burke’s education department. This project is intended to make collections work more accessible to the public, and thus to inspire greater understanding and connection to the workers behind the glass in the visible labs of the Burke Museum.

Poster:

Download a copy of the project poster

Project Deliverable:

Burke Work: What We Do Behind the Glass

Video Presentation