Theses/Dissertations - Museum Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2104/4788

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"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.
Analysis of current practices in natural history museums’ in the interpretation of mammoths with implications for the Mayborn Museum Complex.
(2021-08-11) Yard, Maree M., 1990-; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Walter, Charles H.
For this thesis I gathered current practices in the interpretation of mammoths by sending a 14-question survey, distributed to U.S. natural history museums. My purpose for doing so was to inform my recommendations regarding future exhibit renovations at the Mayborn Museum Complex. I have recommended a three phase renovation plan for the museum, supported by the data collected. The first phase centers on the Mammoth Site exhibit, to be implemented immediately. The second phase encompasses a new exhibit in the former Extinction Hall, for in the near term. The third phase is for the future Natural History Hall, to be facilitated in the long-term. Specifically, I made recommendations regarding the types of interpretive methods that should be included in the exhibits and possible exhibit themes. Of the 12 methods of interpretation offered on the survey, five could be included in the future exhibit development of the Natural History Hall at the Mayborn Museum Complex. The five methods of interpretation that could be used are the articulated mammoth skeleton, individual fossils, replicas, images, and staff/ volunteer demonstrations.
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.
The Civil War as it relates to museums in Texas : four case studies.
(2013-09-16) Rebman, Michael P.; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interpretive methods and narratives used by the Texas Heritage Museum, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Texas Civil War Museum, and the Pearce Museum in Texas, in order to determine how they interpret the Civil War and the involvement of Texas. By studying the objects, text panels, and other elements of the exhibits through a combination of observation and interviews with executive staff at the museums, the case studies reveal that the museums employ a combination of academic and popular history. The juxtaposition of older and modern museum methodologies demonstrates a lack of unity within the museum field in Texas.
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.
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.
"Creating new archives and reinventing the old" : the development of authority and professionalization in archives and the challenges to them.
(2012-08-08) Harbeson, Stephanie M.; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Archives management has developed from a subcategory of history to its own profession through measures such as guidelines for archival practices and access, as well as standards in education and certification, all of which established professionalization and authority. With the establishment of professionalization and authority there have been challenges to both the physical and intellectual contents of archives such as the questioning of the use of science to authentic documents, the alteration of the archival record through addition, theft, and alteration of documents, and the advocating of archives to expand their collections to include underrepresented groups. These challenges have caused archivists to reevaluate and alter their policies in order to better serve the community and preserve their collections.
Curating the composer : preserving and interpreting our musical heritage through composer house museums.
(2014-01-28) MacDonald, Whitney C.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Although historic house museums, especially those in which political or community leaders once lived, are quite common and have been analyzed by museum scholars, the sub-genre of historic houses in which European classical composers lived has not been explored in as great a depth. The purpose of this thesis is to review the history of house museums dedicated to interpreting a composer who once lived there. Following a discussion of the literature on the subject and the methods used in my research, one chapter will explore the history and current operations of several key composer house museums, and another will present a case study of one specific composer house museum. The former chapter is informed not only by mastering the literature on the subject but also by taking a European research trip in March 2012, which allowed me to experience the interpretations and to appreciate the rich variety of approaches used. The latter chapter focuses on the Handel House Museum in London, first examining in detail a master’s thesis which was quite literally a blueprint for the museum, and then exploring the ways in which that blueprint was realized. This thesis documents the diverse ways in which these museums bring to life these composers and their music.
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.
Easier said than done : assessing Texas museums’ readiness to diversify their workforces.
(August 2022) Reid, Kaleigh C., 1998-; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-
The museum has long been perceived as one of the great stalwarts of our society, a position that does not often come with much scrutiny, allowing museums to carry on much like they always have. This lack of pressure to change have left museums with a workforce that does not reflect the communities they claim to represent. This complacency, combined with the fraught history of museums, does not make the field particularly enticing to a diverse workforce that would close the gap in representation between staff and society. This project aims to assess the museum field in Texas’s ability to diversify. This is done by asking the current workforce of Texas museums to provide their opinions and insights on how well they feel their institutions are doing in their efforts to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in every part of the institution.
For the old, rich, and cultured? Historic house museums and their relationship with young adults.
(2012-08-08) Carrington, Emily Lynn.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
It has been traditionally understood that young adults are not active participants in historic house museums. This is a concern because if it is true, it means that historic house museums are not fulfilling their responsibility to educate the public as they are not reaching a particular demographic. Also, by failing to attract young adults, historic house museums are not ensuring that future generations will fulfill the roles of board members volunteers and financial support. This study investigated this claim through surveys distributed to likely historic house museum visitors between the ages of 18 and 35. Through this research, this thesis examines the current relationship young adults have with historic house museums, possible causes of this current situation, and potential actions historic house museums can take in the future to strengthen this relationship.
"If I am not for myself, who is for me?" : an examination of legal and ethical considerations concerning LGBTQ+ populations and collections in museums.
(2020-04-30) Royal, Victoria Anne, 1996-; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-
The shift in institutional purpose from recreation to education in the 20th century forced museums to reconcile their collections and interpretations with modern, diverse audiences. Now in the 21st century, museums are beginning to reconcile with a new audience: sexual and gender minorities. Following the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, museums nationwide began acquiring LGBTQ+ collections. With this new surge of collecting, this paper seeks to examine and analyze the ethical and legal protections being afforded to collections related to sexual and gender minorities within private, general, and federal institutions in order to gain a better understanding of the treatment of these collections in the museum field.
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.
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.
Integrating African American house types into historic villages : three historic Texas houses and their respective museums.
(2013-09-16) Stell, Amy Lynn.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Dallas Heritage Village.; The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Recent studies of the African experience in North America have resulted in the analysis of African contributions to American material culture. European colonization of the New World led to the inclusion of African building practices into the European architectural repertoire. The integration of African architectural forms into the segregated urban neighborhoods of the South resulted in the construction of ethnically diverse house types. The study of building types in the South has identified three historic house museums in Texas that are directly associated with African American occupants and builders. This thesis explores the ethnic distinctiveness of the Shotgun House located at Dallas Heritage Village, and the Fourth Ward Cottage and Yates House located at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park through a material culture perspective. Further investigation of the houses’ respective architectural forms, owner and occupant history, and neighborhoods in conjunction with recent scholarship will clarify their historic significance.
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.
Labels on the altar : the convergence of worship and learning in British church museums.
(2013-09-16) Dodson, Sarah E.; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
Church museums are atypical institutions that foster both worship of God and learning of the history of the building and its people. A conflict often arises between these two roles of worship center and museum, which can easily lead to misunderstanding or even outright misappropriation of the relationship between the institutions and the public. What are their ultimate purposes, how can staff and volunteers work to achieve those purposes, and how can the purposes be effectively communicated to the public? This thesis discusses the historical importance of these institutions in Britain and how they can best serve in their peculiar functions of sacred faith and secular display in the modern world.
Living collections in museums.
(2011-12-19) Roop, Bradley C.; Holcomb, Julie L., 1963-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
This thesis focuses on the uniquely dynamic nature of living collections in museums. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction between the living collection and the staff members directly responsible for their care. An historical account of living collections in museums will be given as well as an introduction to this research. Research included surveys designed to gain general knowledge about the living collection at three museums or zoos followed by interviews designed to get more knowledge. After the interviews were complete the data collected from the interviews was organized into three separate case studies. The three case studies examined were a zoo, natural history museum, and a hybrid of a natural history museum and a children’s museum.
Multiculturalism and the museum : three case studies.
(2012-08-08) Fiegel, Natalie.; Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1955-; Museum Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.
With the rise of social history over the past several decades, educational institutions have increasingly been called upon to represent and showcase different cultural and minority groups within their walls. This has forced museums to reevaluate their exhibit spaces in order to create more inclusive, diverse interpretations. Basic museum practices have been challenged and the role of the museum has been called into question. Case studies of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Oklahoma History Center, and the New Mexico History Museum showcase the different approaches museums today are taking within their exhibits to create as authentic and unbiased portrayals of different cultures past and present as possible.
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.

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