I have previously worked as a guest services representative at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. I have also volunteered as a docent, collections manager, researcher, and overall “gopher” at the Military History Museum of Fort Worth. I am looking forward to working with the staff and volunteers at the McFaddin-Ward House, and learning the many necessary and sought-after skills that are required to work in a museum.
Throughout my internship, I will be posting updates of my projects and the various happenings at the museum. Aelish, the museum’s previous intern started this blog and shared information on the research she did on the McFaddins’ collection of Blenko glass. I plan to take my research in another direction by focusing on Beaumont’s involvement in the First World War and include an in-depth look at the McFaddins’ contribution to the war effort and have begun work on designing an exhibit on the topic. I am extremely interested in military history and how it affected so many aspects of American life, even a wealthy family like the McFaddins. I am excited about learning more about Southeast Texas during the World War and the knowledge I will gain from the project.
I will continue posting weekly updates during my internship and give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it is like to work for a history museum. Feel free to comment and ask questions as I go along, and please continue to follow my progress on this exciting project.
Quezal Art Glass & Decorating Company, Jack-in-the-Pulpit vase, 1907-1919, blown glass
Several weeks ago a group of kids from a local church came by for a few hours at the museum. I introduced them to Carroll and Mamie and showed them the photographs of them in their fabulous clothes. Afterwards they took a tour of the first floor of the house and then came back to the Visitor's Center and cut out their paper dolls. They loved it! Many of the kids even took home extra dolls to cut out and play with at home.
