Projects - Museum Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2104/7996

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Museum methods : creating a useable database for the experiential education objects of the CASPER Physics Circus.
(2011-01-05T19:43:58Z) Patterson, Scott D. (Scott Donahue); Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The CASPER Physics Circus at Baylor University seeks to improve the local school system by presenting the science of physics in an understanding and engaging way, often through the use of objects which demonstrate scientific principles. In the past, those objects have been put away into storage after the Physics Circus is completed for the year often with no record of their condition or use. This project outlines the creation of a collections database of objects for the experiential education program of the Physics Circus. The database was developed using FileMaker Pro software. This allows for cross-platform use for individuals who will use and maintain the database in the future. This project also outlines important steps taken in its development which may be looked to for similar projects that could be designed by other organizations or groups.
"Railroad iron is a magician's rod" : preserving and presenting historic railroad maps through the "magic" of digitization.
(2011-01-05T19:47:32Z) Ames, Eric S.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
As digitization projects have become increasingly common, museums of all sizes have fallen under the spell of putting their archival materials online. But the process involves a great deal of advanced planning, sifting through software and hardware options, and finding the scanners and staff to carry them out. Often, small to medium-sized museums lack the resources to carry out a successful digitization project on their own. This project outlines a collaboration between the author and the Railroad and Heritage Museum (RHM) in Temple, Texas. The RHM is home to a collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century railroad engineering survey maps that are often requested by researchers. The RHM had expressed interest in digitizing them and placing them online, but lacked the staff and scanners necessary to do so. Using the resources of the Riley Digitization Center at Baylor University, the author digitized 326 maps and placed them online using Flickr (a digital asset management solution) and Pachyderm (a Flash-based Web site authoring software created for use by museums). This project details the steps involved in that process, as well as some recommendations for museums of modest size that seek to create their own online presence with limited resources.
Boxes and boxes, missing context, and an avocational archaeologist : making sense of the Frank Watt collection at the Mayborn Museum Complex.
(2011-05-12T15:19:51Z) Bischof, Robin E.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Museums often find themselves with more collection than they are capable of properly inventorying, documenting and cataloguing. The Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University has one such collection of Native American artifacts and documents collected by Frank H. Watt, a local archaeologist. The late Watt worked many years as an avocational archaeologist in Texas. Examination of both his collection of papers and Native American artifacts led to the discovery that some of the documents corresponded with particular objects. By matching the two collections, Frank Watt's papers are linked to actual specimens, and the objects are united with their history, giving them context in a written record. This project combined both collections and archival work in addition to research regarding the life and writings of Frank Watt and a brief review of Texas pre-history and early history.
Bringing the Mayborn Museum Complex discovery boxes into the 21st century.
(2011-05-12T15:21:11Z) Buonafede, Maria.; Caston, Ellie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Museums have realized the sustaining benefits of school partnerships over the last fifty years and are better meeting the needs of teachers through outreach. This project focuses on one successful outreach program employed at the Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco, TX called Discovery Boxes. Discovery Boxes are thematic kits containing related 3-D objects, media, books and lessons to aid teachers in science and social studies. This project consisted of redesigning elements of selected boxes based on evaluation from area classroom teachers, in order to increase their accessibility and effectiveness. In order to evaluate these boxes, interviews were conducted with six elementary school teachers who had previously used the Discovery Boxes. The feedback provided from these teachers guided the redesigning of the boxes; and the same teachers then used the redesigned boxes in their classrooms. The teachers evaluated the redesigned boxes and made further recommendations. This project also includes a brief literature review of museum-school partnerships and outreach throughout history and the specific development of Discovery Boxes at the Mayborn Museum Complex. The results of the project provide recommendations to staff at the Mayborn Museum Complex for the continuation of redesigning the remaining Discovery Boxes. The process and recommendations can also be used as a model by other museums with similar outreach programs.
Museums and social change : supporting community needs equals stronger partnerships.
(2011-05-12T15:38:32Z) Hewlett, Allison.; Caston, Ellie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
As museums seek to demonstrate public value by reaching a more diverse and often underserved audience, they are creating partnerships and programs designed to support community needs. This project focuses on a partnership formed between the Mayborn Museum Complex (MMC) at Baylor University in Waco, TX, and the Greater Waco Education Alliance's Best Practices Reading Program (BPRP), a literacy organization that aims to improve reading skills of local students. The purpose of the partnership was to support the goals of a community organization by offering special learning opportunities in the museum. This project sought to support goals of the BPRP through two visits to the MMC, where students and volunteers in the program participated in educational activities designed to foster four goals, including providing opportunities for informal assessment of reading skills. Observations, in-person interviews and online surveys with BPRP volunteers provided feedback to design each visit, and to evaluate whether the goals of the partnership were met. This project includes a brief literature review of the history of museums and community involvement, including the attempts of museum leaders to broaden the role of museums in society by providing direct services to their communities. The results of the project provide recommendations to the MMC, and other museums, that will facilitate future partnerships to meet community needs. This project demonstrates the benefits of such partnerships, and identifies the challenges in creating and sustaining them.
The African art collection at the Martin Museum of Art, Baylor University.
(2011-05-12T15:47:04Z) Ramey, Megan Lotzenhiser.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The objective of this project is to add to the Martin Museum's knowledge of its African Art Collection, improve its condition, and make it more accessible to the public. Little has been formally recorded about most of the eighty objects. Even the accuracy of what is known can be questioned. Many of the objects were purchased from the back of a station wagon in the 1980s: problems resulting from this will be examined. Improved care of the African Art collection will be achieved through cleaning, storage, and updated records. The outcome of the project will provide the Martin Museum of Art with more information on their collection, making the collection a valuable educational resource.
Cultivating connections : a survey of Dallas Heritage Village donors.
(2011-05-12T15:50:00Z) Simpson, Lisa R.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Historic house museums and villages have been struggling for the last 25 years to sustain their operating costs. Many have been focusing on interpretation as a way to engage the public and gain a new audience. This project looks at a different way of viewing the problem to focus on fundraising and development as a way to engage donors and develop a new commitment to these historic institutions. This project surveyed and interviewed high-level donors from Dallas Heritage Village in Dallas, Texas concerning their donation practices. This project found that personal connections are vital to fundraising and governing bodies must understand their role in the process.
"What's good for business is good for the city" : interpreting Dallas and the railroad connection.
(2011-05-12T15:50:56Z) Steed, Alyssa Taylor.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
In recent years, historic house museums have experienced a decrease in visitorship. In order for these institutions to survive, measures need to be taken to revamp their interpretive plans. The purpose of this project is to aid Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park reinterpret the on-site railroad depot in accordance with their new interpretive plan “All Roads Lead to Dallas.” In this sense, “road” refers not only to literal transportation routes and railways, but also passages for new ideas and attitudes. In undertaking this project, research will be conducted in order to gain historical evidence for changes to be made to buildings in accordance with the new theme. The second phase of this project is to aid in the preliminary planning of the exhibit including creating a conceptual preliminary design of the railroad depot.
Alternate reality games in small museums.
(2011-09-14) Mauger, Heather.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Museums need to think creatively to attract and retain a young adult audience. One way museums are addressing this is by creating Alternate Reality Games (ARGs). Unfortunately, there is minimal research and application of ARGs in museums, especially small museum. This project documents the research, development, and implementation of an Alternate Reality Game at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas. I also surveyed the museum field in regards to their opinions on Alternate Reality Games. ARGs can be a great programming option for museum that have the resources to create one. However, in small museums ARGS are particularly challenging to due to the lack of time, resources, and support.
Engaging visitors in historic buildings : Dallas Heritage Village's revitalization project in the Citizen's Bank building.
(2012-08-08) Cavenah, Kelli A.; Caston, Ellie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Although most museums have transformed from dim, dusty, quiet places of private intellectual pursuits into vibrant, educational institutions, many historic homes and buildings have struggled to make the leap into the hands-on learning models so many museums today put into practice. This project concentrates on the revitalization project being conducted at Dallas Heritage Village in Dallas, Texas, and how the staff is endeavoring to bring learning in historic homes and buildings to life through hands-on and more engaging educational approaches. A brief literature review examines the history of education in museums with an emphasis on newer approaches to learning, especially in historic homes and buildings. The goal of the project was to determine what types of educational activities would be successful in the Citizen's Bank building as a part of Dallas Heritage Village's revitalization project. This Master's project utilized Dallas Heritage Village staff interviews, on-site observations and surveys, and visitor feedback in order to determine the engagement level, likeability, and learning potential of the proposed hands-on activities. Visitor groups examined for this project consisted of drop-in family groups and scheduled school groups, in both directed and free-choice learning situations. Feedback and data was gathered and used for activity modifications before a second round of surveys and observations was conducted. The results of the project indicate an increase in engaging visitors with the use of simple educational activities that can be used by Dallas Heritage Village as they continue their revitalization project. The process and outcomes may also be useful for other organizations with similar needs or buildings, as it demonstrates useful methods of data gathering and provides insight into interpretation options available for historic homes and buildings.
Diamonds and denim : a case study of large-scale western art exhibitions and sales as museum fundraising opportunities.
(2012-08-08) Perez, Lauren A.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This project will discuss the varying styles and similarities of large-scale exhibitions and sales within museums specializing in the art of the American West, primarily focused on the Western Artists of America Show and Sale at the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, Texas. Many museums fundraise for a distinct purpose and Western Art museums are distinct in many ways. Surveys were conducted among Western Art museums that were known to have held and supported events and sales as focused in this study. They were then evaluated and discussed in the study. The Western Artists of America Show and Sale at the Pearce Museum was then discussed from a first-hand point of view and then discussed in the larger framework of these particular shows in an effort to understand how they are conducted and how such events can be replicated in other Western Art museums who may have not taken the leap to establish one. Western Art by nature is attractive to many, and is thus a perfect opportunity for themed fundraising and community involvement.
Getting to know your patrons : a user study at The Texas Collection.
(2012-08-08) Carson, Rachel Kathryn.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The purpose of this user study is to determine who the users of The Texas Collection are and if their needs are being met. A survey targeted both on-site and online patrons. Included in the survey was demographic information that was used to understand patron’s social media habits and use of Texas Collection social media. Additionally, the study uses data collected from past years regarding library and archival patrons in terms of patron classification and the material used. Incorporated together, the study can be used in the future by The Texas Collection administration and staff to better meet the needs of their users.
Cleaning skeletons from our closets : the repatriation movement in the United States of America, New Zealand and Canada.
(2013-05-15) McCarthy, Mary K.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This project explores the complex issues that still surround NAGPRA and offers current solutions to American museums struggling with them. The chapters examine the current state of repatriation efforts in the United States, New Zealand and Canada. The successful repatriation of remains in New Zealand and Canada is examined for key elements that made progress possible. The final chapter offers recommendations to American museums based on success in New Zealand and Canada.
Redesigning the Recycle Discovery Room at the Mayborn Museum.
(2013-09-16) Knight, Kathryn B.; Caston, Ellie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This project revolves around the redesign of the Recycle Discovery Room at the Mayborn Museum Complex. The room has been redesigned to expand the topic of recycling to include sustainability, thus the renaming of the room as the Sustainability Room. The project focuses on the process of design and the challenges that come with designing an exhibit.
Museums and exercise : a smart workout.
(2013-09-16) Brown, Whitney T.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
In 2010, First Lady, Michelle Obama launched an initiative to combat childhood obesity called Let’s Move!. One year later, the First Lady expanded the initial idea to Let’s Move: Museums and Gardens. Many museums were motivated to become a part of the initiative by stepping outside of traditional education programs and exhibit topics and exploring new methods to help meet the challenge. For museums of health, this idea fits nicely within their missions; however, some museums may find that such a program falls too far outside of their mission. This project focuses on the creation and implementation of two pilot programs with the specific goal of incorporating exercise program offerings based on the museums exhibits and collections. This approach opens opportunities for more types of museums to offer such programs staying true to their missions. As background, numerous museum programs and exhibits that have incorporated exercise, both before and after the inception of the Let’s Move: Museum and Gardens program, are described. The results of this project provide recommendations for museums looking to incorporate a quality exercise program that uses exhibits and collections as the core of the educational experience. The pilot programs may also serve as a model for other museums hoping to create similar exercise programs and how existing programs may be further developed by embracing this approach.
From farm to market : digitizing the Confederate Reunion Grounds collection for public access.
(2013-09-16) Galbraith, Danica R.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This graduate project was completed at the Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site in Mexia, Texas, over the course of six months in 2012. The project included inventorying, cataloging, rehousing, digitizing, and creating metadata for the site's rich archival collections. The collections were then uploaded online through the Southwest Collection's website operated by Texas Tech University, and EAD finding aids were developed to be uploaded onto TARO [Texas Archival Resources Online].
From vision to verity : the Mayborn Museum Complex Oral History Project.
(2014-01-28) Sielaff, Steven K.; Caston, Ellie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The Mayborn Museum Complex Oral History Project documents the capital campaign, design, construction and formal dedication in 2004 of the Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University through the use of oral history interviews. No prior effort to record this period of the institution’s history had been made at the time of this project. While certain primary source materials are available documenting various facets of this history, it was determined that the vast wealth of information rested in the memories of certain individuals who played key roles in the new museum’s development and creation. Therefore a pure oral history project, using primary sources as background research materials, was chosen as the ideal course of action.
Cleaning out the attic : evaluating and refining the Heritage textile collection at Historic Waco Foundation.
(2014-05) Childers, Rebekah.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This graduate project was completed at Historic Waco Foundation in Waco, TX. The project consisted of the examination and evaluation of the women’s textiles in HWF’s Heritage Collection on an item-level basis. Objects were evaluated based on criteria in HWF’s Collections Management Policy. This evaluation primarily considered whether each object fit within HWF’s collecting scope and whether or not it was exhibitable. Recommendations for each item were given to the Collections Manager for presentation to the Collections Management Committee.
Take me to the movie show : curating and creating digital content.
(2014-06-11) Lovell, Hannah Haney.; Ames, Eric S.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The digital presence of museums has continually grown in recent years. This project examines the processes of digitizing a collection and creating digital content. The goals of this project were to select 155 pieces from the Frances G. Spencer Collection of American Popular Sheet Music, digitize them, and then to create audio files for a selection of these pieces. This project utilized the resources at the Riley Digitization Center and the Crouch Fine Arts Library at Baylor University to both digitize and create content. This project serves as a reference for the processes and challenges of selecting and creating digital content.
Illuminating masterpieces : the Martin Museum of Art Collections Crowdsourcing Project.
(2014-06-11) Hallinan, Margaret E.; Holcomb, Julie.; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The Martin Museum of Art Collections Crowdsourcing Project was designed to assist in researching and managing the museum’s permanent collection. With a small staff and obligatory demands of basic collections care, changing exhibitions, and administrative duties, research of the collection becomes less of a priority among the managing of the museum. The project adopted a blog site as a forum to post images of the collection each week for volunteers to present accurate and insightful information on the identifying information on the works of art to supplement and support the research of the collections staff.

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