Collections & Conservation Intern

As a Collections and Conservation Intern, my primary focus has been the documentation, condition reporting, and photography of the museum's Broad Ripple Park Carousel, a National Historic Landmark. This project involved creating detailed records for 42 carousel animals, all carousel mirrors, and 16 painted scenery panels, with all documentation uploaded into Articheck and KE Emu. Additionally, I successfully affixed accession tags in the form of small, stamped brass tags to each carousel animal. I have also created a Historical Overview with a Conservation Assessment and Maintenance Plan and assembled project binder containing all associated condition reports and documentation for future use by contractors and collections staff.

Beyond the carousel project, I contributed to several other major initiatives:

Memories, Wonders, and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years Exhibit: Supported the preparation and installation of objects for this centennial celebration exhibit. My tasks included preparing and cleaning display cases and bonnets, cleaning objects prior to installation, assisting in the placement of large objects, and installing artifacts and labels.

Mandela Exhibit Deinstallation: Assisted in the removal, packing, and crating of artifacts, signage, and mannequins under the guidance of Exhibit Curator Sara Hougan for the traveling Mandela exhibit.

Treasures of the Earth Exhibit: Conducted condition reports for loaned underwater artifacts originating from Florida as part of the exhibit.

Ruth E. Carter Exhibit: Played a key role in unpacking, condition reporting, and dressing costume pieces from dozens of boxes and crates for this exhibit. Additionally, I helped assemble and position mannequins, steamed costumes, and assisted in gallery placement to prepare for the exhibit opening.