Internship at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology
MAY - AUGUST 2024
I had the privilege of working as a full-time intern at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology for 14 weeks alongside Dr. Heather Hatch, the Collections Manager, and Leeanne Doxtator, the Public & Education Programmer. During this time, I focused on developing my skills in collection management, specifically with archaeological materials, while also gaining valuable experience in educational programming for younger audiences. One unexpected yet invaluable aspect of my time there was learning about exhibit design and the opportunity to exacute an exhibit in the museum's permanent gallery. I’m pleased to say that I not only met my goals but exceeded my expectations.I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Heather, Leeanne, and the entire museum staff for providing such a rewarding and enriching experience.
In collections management, I became proficient in using the collections database Argus for data entry, verification, and managing spreadsheets, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all records. I assisted with key tasks such as relocating and rehousing boxes, repacking materials, conducting inventory, and cataloging items, always adhering to best practices in collection care. I also scanned old maps for digitization, helping to preserve them and increase accessibility for future research. Additionally, I played an active role in identifying and researching archaeological sites and cultural materials, which enhanced my understanding of the collection and its importance to public inquiries. A major responsibility was ensuring consistency between physical records and the database, maintaining accuracy across all documentation. I also supported the team with various other duties as needed, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the collections management process. Collections Management
REPACKAGING COLLECTIONS: The museum’s ongoing project involves transferring objects from cardboard banker boxes to plastic green boxes to ensure their longevity. Each item is documented, assigned a new box number, and checked for damage before being reboxed, with updates made to the Argus Database.
ACCESSION NEW SITES: CRM companies bring in well-documented and properly repackaged sites from their labs, unlike older dig sites. We then accession the sites into the database, assign new box numbers, and record their locations within the repository.
PULLING BOXES FOR RESEARCH: Upon request, researchers come to the museum to examine the belongings. My task was to pull the boxes, move them from their permitted location to the research space, and then return them to their permitted location—updating the location status as they were moved in and out.
HELPING COMMUNITIES: Using the Argus database, communities can request information using the Borden number system for their traditional lands to see if their ancestors are housed in the repository. With notes and a detailed Excel spreadsheet, communities can reach out and make progress with the next steps.
DECOLONIZING SPACES: The 100-year-old recreation of the Lawson site features questionable figurines based on the pre-contact site. After meaningful discussions, the figurines were removed from the diagram
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Assisted with the monthly tracking of relative humidity (RH) levels and ensuring the safety of sensors for repository shelves
DIGITIZING ARCHIVES: Mouldy maps and drawings were found in the library. To ensure these valuable works are preserved for future generations, we scan them and dispose of the papers using proper health and safety procedures.
REPACKAGING ANCIENT SEEDS: The Lawson Collection's ancient seeds are to be repackaged and analyzed following proper museum protocols to ensure the preservation of the organics and their accessibility to the public.
I gained the skills in educational programming by conducting research and creating program materials tailored to the museum’s requirements and the regional context. I facilitated engaging tours for a variety of audiences, adapting my approach to suit different age groups, learning styles, and group sizes. I also led hands-on activities for families and children, fostering an interactive learning environment. Additionally, I assisted in setting up and managing learning and activity stations, ensuring that each station was both educational and engaging. I participated in community events as a representative of the museum, promoting museums message and connecting with the public. Through these experiences, I helped enhance visitors' understanding of the exhibits while making learning enjoyable and accessible for all ages.Educational Programming
FACILITATE TOURS & ACTIVITIES: Provided tours for visitors tailored to all age groups and abilities, ensuring an engaging experience for everyone. In addition to booking a tour, visitors can also reserve activities such as pottery workshops, immersive VR experiences, or interactive session in the artifact lab, which I presented.
HOSTED SCHOOL GROUPS: We customized school days to match the curriculum by offering hands-on learning experiences and, depend on students understanding beyond the classroom.
VIRTUAL SCHOOLS: Customized virtual lessons through schools that are far north and cannot come to the museum - still following the curriculum.
DIG-IT BOXES: Made 4 boxes, each connect to different archaeological sites found in Ontario. The boxes can be used for programming, in gallery and for outreach.
DEVELOPED A PROGRAM: Archaeo-Lab Activity. Participants would be given the opportunity to become archaeologists. With the dig boxes they would be able to dig up a site, document their findings, distinguish artifacts and catalogue them in the museum records.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Worked with a bunch of community partners to enrich the museum experience.
I took an active role in the development and execution of an exhibition project. I was responsible for arranging and overseeing the production process to ensure the exhibit was completed on time and within budget. Throughout the project, I evaluated and addressed the needs, expectations, and interests of various stakeholders, including the audience, museum partners, and local communities. I composed, edited, and tailored exhibition content to align with the interests of both stakeholders and visitors. In collaboration with the team, I identified and sourced relevant objects, images, graphics, and multimedia content, ensuring that all materials adhere to copyright and documentation guidelines. I played a key role in designing the exhibit’s interactive components, spatial layout, and overall visitor engagement, creating an experience that resonated with diverse audiences. Additionally, I was responsible for assembling display pieces ensuring safety standards were met for both staff and visitors. I applied my knowledge of collections management and artifact care throughout the project, ensuring that all artifacts were handled with the proper protocols. Throughout the project, I worked closely with the collections team, strengthening my collaboration and communication skills to ensure the successful completion of the exhibition.Exhibit Design
INTERPRETIVE PLAN: This document outlines the key concepts of the exhibit, focusing on its central themes, core message, and supporting ideas intended for visitor communication. It also details identifying relevant artifacts, images, interactive elements, and resources that will help convey these concepts effectively. *This is just a snip-it of the document*
LEAVING A FOOTPRINT: As this is a permanent exhibit, I won’t be here when it needs to be updated or taken down. As a curator, it is my responsibility to ensure that the next person in charge understands the locations of the artifacts within the exhibit and their designated home locations, in order to prevent any dissociation.
MEASURE, MEASURE, & MEASURE AGAIN: Using Canva, I was able to measure the wall and the large furniture pieces to get a sense of the space and plan the layout of the exhibit.
BRING IT TO LIFE: The top two photos show the museum space before and after placing the larger furniture. Before moving, I double-checked measurements using the Canva design and masking tape on the floor. The bottom two photos illustrate the concept of organizing artifacts by theme and planning their display on the glass shelves of the larger units.
MEDIA: Using Canva, I was able to create various forms of media to complement the exhibit, including posters, visuals, quotes, and video clips.
MAKING LABELS: Using Canva and Word, I designed the labels. To mount them, I used recycled foam board to reduce costs, adhering the labels with spray glue. Once the labels were dry, I cut the border using an X-Acto knife and attached backing triangles with hot glue, allowing the labels to stand up on display.
MOUNT MAKING: Using scraps of Ethoform, I created mounts for various pottery pieces to be displayed. This ensured the safety of the artifacts while maintaining a visually appealing aesthetic. It involved a lot of trial and error, which allowed me to creatively problem-solve and refine my approach.
