Department of Museum Studies

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A case study of the Colonial Revival, collecting, and museum making in Texas.
(2005-05) Clark, Eleanor K.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Miss Ima Hogg dedicated her life to creating a cultural and historical legacy in the state of Texas. An avid collector and patroness of the arts, she was responsible for the creation of three museums, each unique in purpose. This master's thesis discusses the life of Miss Hogg as the daughter of a legendary governor and as a philanthropist, but most particularly as the founder of three important museums. Hogg's interest in collecting art and antiques began in her youth and continued until her death at age ninety-three. The intent of this thesis is to demonstrate how her collecting progressed over several decades and to compare and contrast the Vamer-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, Bayou Bend, and the Winedale Historical Center. Further, this thesis will analyze the evolution of her thinking about museums and evaluate the degree to which she reflected the expectation of her social class and the age in which she lived.
Irrational exuberance: calculating the total number of museums in the United States.
(2006-07-30T19:14:42Z) Ettle, Joseph Lewis.; Williams, Stephen L., 1948-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Museums have been present in the United States since the late 1700's. Now that the twenty-first century has started, a definite total for the number of museums in the United States needs to be determined. Without this total the museum community will not be able to realize its full potential and importance. By determining the total, the museum community can work together to strengthen the identity and focus of the museum field in the United States. This study examines museums in 100 cities. Socioeconomic factors of the cities also are examined to assist in calculating a total number of museums in the United States. Based on these data, the total number of museums in the United States is between 16,000 and 20,000. The results are examined and recommendations for the field are made.
Personality traits in the museum community.
(2006-07-31T01:26:07Z) Elliott, Leslee A.; Williams, Stephen L., 1948-; Rowatt, Wade Clinton, 1969-; Charlton, Thomas L. (Thomas Lee); Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The museum community relies on the cohesion of several different functional groups to successfully run an institution. This study investigates the personality traits among employees in medium sized history museums across the country. Subjects were given a personality profile assessing the traits of the Five Factor Model of personality, and asked to indicate their affiliation with one of four museum functional categories, director/administrative, collections, education, or other. An analysis of the results indicates education staff reported significantly higher extraversion than collections staff. Results also revealed that people in the director/administrative group reported higher emotional stability than both collection and education groups. The findings in this study can impact job placement and hiring for positions in museums. Also, a knowledge of how different groups communicate can help strengthen teamwork and understanding between members of the museum community.
Comparison of comprehension of historical information in first- and third-person museum interpretation.
(2006-10-26T19:06:11Z) Kendig, Julie E.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Living history museums are realistic representations of the past where visitors encounter interpreters using artifacts and create a meaningful context for understanding history. However, little research has been done to determine how successful these museums are as a pedagogy for learning. This thesis compares comprehension at living history interpretive programs using first-person and third-person methods, evaluating the relative merits of the two approaches. A survey was administered to adult and school-aged visitors to two history museums, Old City Park in Dallas, which uses first-person interpretation and Log Cabin Village in Ft. Worth, which uses third-person interpretation. While the results of the survey show that both approaches have merits, and challenges, this thesis serves as a pilot study.
Museum leadership: a possible shift in gender representation.
(2007-12-04T20:01:08Z) Wieners, Carrie J.; Williams, Stephen L., 1948-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Gender bias is a broad social issue, combining historical and current stereotypes that affect both the for-profit and non-profit workforce. Furthermore, phenomena such as the glass ceiling, the wage gap, and feminization develop the perception of gender bias in society, including that part involving the museum community. To determine the extent that gender bias exists in museum leadership positions, data of current museum leaders were obtained from 9,475 museums by using the directory of the American Association of Museums. Data were statistically analyzed according to geographical region, museum size and museum type. From this research it is determined that there are a small number of cases of gender bias for both men and women in museum leadership. Trends from the data, correlated with a historical context, indicate the possibility of an increasing feminization of the profession. Recommendations are given to address these issues.
"The ace of clubs" : a social and architectural history of the Draughon-Moore House, Texarkana, Texas, 1885-1985.
(2008-10-15T16:30:00Z) Henderson, Ashley S.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The Draughon-Moore house in Texarkana, Texas is a nationally significant example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1885, the unusual design is an adaptation of the little-known octagonal style of architecture. It also incorporates the widely popular Italianate style, serving as an example of this style's diffusion to Texas in the late nineteenth century. Today, the house is preserved as a museum. Despite its significance, the history of the house has never been fully documented and it has rarely been included in scholarly studies of Victorian architecture. This thesis explores the structure's architectural history and analyzes the trends in nineteenth-century architecture that influenced the distinctive design. It also compiles a comprehensive history of the three families who lived in the home to create a better understanding of their life within the unusual structure. Finally, the work discusses various ways the architectural and social history of the house can be presented to museum visitors through interpretative themes. This thesis serves as the most complete record to date of the history of the Draughon-Moore house and lays the foundation for future research and interpretation.
Collecting Greek and Roman antiquities : remarkable individuals and acquisitions in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the J. Paul Getty Museum.
(2008-12-15T17:58:19Z) Plagens, Emily S.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The United States of America is distant both geographically and chronologically from the classical culture of the Greek and Roman civilizations. For these reasons, classical antiquities were not widely available to the American public. In the era after the Civil War and in the early years of the twentieth century, however, American museums made huge strides toward acquiring classical collections of great significance. This thesis will recount the development of the classical collections of three major American museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. I will examine the major board members, directors, curators, and donors who led these museums to prominence, and identify key acquisitions that have been, and often still are, among the finest available. In particular I will show that the development of a major classical collection requires both wealthy, discerning donors and an educated, professional staff.
Institutional critique : artists focus on museological issues.
(2009-04-01T16:19:48Z) Mutch, Hollis.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This thesis looks at important issues facing American museums through a form art called "institutional critique." Institutional critique artwork can be defined broadly as artwork of varying mediums that offer criticism of museums or galleries, referring sometimes to an institution as a whole and at others to specific practices. This thesis makes the case that institutional critique artwork is one tool that can help us to understand the problems facing museums today. In particular, institutional critique artwork can highlight problems museums have with collections, boards of trustees, corporate sponsorship, museum architecture, and education/ visitor experiences. Recent literature on the subject has contextualized institutional critique artwork in regards to art history, but so far has failed to utilize it as a museum studies tool. The museum community has – and continues to – address these problems, but these artists can express in often vivid form what are sometimes seemingly dry museological issues.
Recovering provenance : historic preservation in Waco, 1953-1980.
(2010-06-23T12:18:12Z) Browning, Mark Robert.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The means and methods of preservation and restoration are a part of a historic house’s history, and thus becomes an important part of its provenance. This thesis examines the background stories of the Historic Waco Foundation houses and the Earle-Harrison House in one essay. It considers the influence of historic precedents on a state and local level. It brings to the forefront major benefactors to preservation in Waco, some of whom were either absent or casually mentioned in earlier articles. It demonstrates how both the pilgrimage traditions and the governing structures that were established affect the operation of the houses today. Finally it documents how some of the organizations combined together to benefit from a new source of funding, and the results of that merger. Recommendations for future studies are made in the conclusion.
Increasing the use and value of collections : finding DNA.
(2010-06-23T12:22:37Z) Malone, Margaret E.; Williams, Stephen L., 1948-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The specimens maintained in natural history collections worldwide represent a resource that must be protected. However, as traditional collections age and historical research methods are replaced with new research applications, the future use of traditional collections has been challenged. While DNA studies have used traditional collections, successful retrieval is not always guaranteed. As a result, specimens may be damaged through sampling, while research resources are misdirected. Clearly, both collections and researchers would benefit if research results could be guaranteed. By comparing actual specimens with actual DNA results, studies were conducted to determine possible conditions leading to the successful or unsuccessful acquisition of DNA. Of particular interest were conditions surrounding DNA procedures, specimen parts sampled, age of specimens, systematics, and history of preservation treatments. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations for further study are presented for the benefit of specimen collections and the researchers that use them.
Documenting and interpreting the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment's 2007-09 deployment to Iraq for the Third Cavalry Regiment Museum.
(2010-06-23T12:22:59Z) Oliver, Louise M.; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The Third Armored Cavalry Regiment (3d ACR) has a history spanning more than 150 years and is the last heavy cavalry regiment in the United States Army. In February 2009, the 3d ACR returned from its third deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09. This time is recorded in thousands of documents including after action reviews, journal articles, news reports, and award submissions. The objective of this thesis is to explore ways in which that deployment could best be interpreted for museum visitors in a meaningful, unique, and educational way. This thesis will both document much of the history of the deployment, and develop a way to summarize the deployment so that audiences learn about the significance of the unit in Iraq to the soldiers, their families and the people of Ninewa Province.
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.
"A nation can stay alive when it's culture and history stay alive" : Afghanistan's ongoing battle to protect its cultural heritage from looting, war, and terrorism.
(2011-05-12T15:24:52Z) Dougherty, Ashli.; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, many have heard the story and seen the images of the looting in Iraq, especially at the Baghdad Museum. While the world was quick to react to the events in Iraq, similar events occurring for the past thirty years in Afghanistan have largely been ignored. The archaeological record in Afghanistan stretches back thousands of years making it a key part in understanding Central Asian history, but the country's once rich supply of cultural artifacts and archaeological sites is being destroyed by looting, war, and deliberate acts of destruction. This thesis examines the past and current circumstances surrounding the loss of Afghan cultural property and institutions such as the National Museum in Kabul. It further demonstrates how the protection of sites and utilization of cultural heritage can play a role in the rebuilding of a nation after three decades of war.
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.

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