Beginning my research

For a class assignment, we have to come up with an individual news story. We were asked in class today if we had thought about this, and while I hadn't really given it careful thought I did have a general idea. I started this blog because it seemed relevant to what I was focusing on this semester outside of class, but it has really developed into something. I really had no idea how many interesting things there are in our collections! Supposedly we have the first bible ever printed in the Western Hemisphere (it's called the Doctrina Breve by Zumarraga and it was printed in Mexico City in 1544- maybe I'll explore this in a future post). Even working in the map library I come across things that are truly remarkable that are hidden away in drawers and cabinets. For example, I was looking through some maps today that are supposedly the first topographic maps ever created of France. Shouldn't those be in France?

Working at the Map Library has given me a glimpse into the complicated process of designing an exhibit. While I've been very busy doing research, I am aware that curators work with a large staff. Exhibits are created to focus on the objects, but I'm interested in exhibiting the people behind the exhibits! The theme semester for this year is Museums, and there just happens to be a new minor introduced this past year in "Museum Studies." Also, this past year we have witnessed the reopening of both the UMMA and the Kelsey Museum. It seems that it would be an appropriate time to question those involved in the process. Sharing a similar goal as my blog, I hope that those who read my works will inevitably be more appreciative of the museums on campus and the work that went into developing them.