What is your background?
I am from a small town in Northwest Georgia, so it was very exciting to get to travel to Alaska for a summer internship. I have a B.A. in History from LaGrange College and a M.A. in History from Georgia College and State University. I have interned and volunteered at historic houses, historical societies as well as art and history museums.
What got you interested in museum work?
I visited the Louvre one summer during high school and I fell in love with their historic collection. After seeing their collection, I knew that I wanted to work in museums so that I could work hands-on with the collections!
What brought you to PAM?
I found the information for the internship while I was applying for summer internships around the country. I applied to the internship because it was collections-focused and I had really enjoyed previous internships with a similar focus. I was very excited to find out that I had been picked for the internship!
What is your favorite thing about Alaska?
My favorite thing about Alaska has been meeting new people! Everyone here has been very friendly! Also, I have really enjoyed trying new things and visiting a part of the country I have only ever heard about before!
What is your most memorable aeronautical experience?
My most memorable experience would be flying to Europe for the first time. It was the first time I had ever flown, and I still remember flying with my family to England.
What project are you working on?
Overall, I have been cataloging objects for PAM, rehousing items, taking photographs, and possibly writing some blog posts for the museum. In addition, I have been working alongside Kirsten Olson, a fellow intern, to create an exhibit about “mercy pilot” Joe Crosson.
What is the most interesting thing you have found in the museum?
There are lots of interesting items that I have seen throughout PAM, especially because I have not visited many aviation-focused museums. One of my favorite items in the collection is the Huey helicopter, which you are even able to interact with and see the inside of the craft. So, that was one of the more fascinating items that I have come across since starting my internship at PAM.
What are your plans for the summer in Alaska?
I am planning on trying new things and exploring Fairbanks and the surrounding area. I would really love to see Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley!
What advice would you give to someone looking to work in museums?
If you want to work in museums, try to gain as much experience in as many different kinds of museum work as you can. Volunteer and intern in your local community to gain experience and to see if museum work is your passion. Just get out there and find out what you love to do!
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