Time to Explore

Grad School has definitely put a damper into my blog writing. I think it's been over a year since I last updated, and I am feeling like there is a need for a change in direction. Working in museums over this last year where I have learned more and more about what good interpretation and informal learning looks like. In addition, I have been consistently asked what can museums do better, and how would I possibly change what museums are doing now. So this blog will probably get incredibly nerdy.

Of course the consequence of being in grad school for museum work means that I don't actually go to museums all that frequently. Life has a way of distracting you, and making you not want to spend even more time in a museum. However, there are some exhibits that I have been looking forward to opening, and I'm planning to go to during my winter break.

Food: Transforming the American Table, 1950-2000 at the National American History Museum
This exhibit contains Julia Child's kitchen (which I love) as one of the centerpieces. Check out the website

One Life: Amelia Earhart at the National Portrait Gallery
I have always loved Amelia Earhart, I guess being the daughter of a pilot will do that! In addition this exhibition also appears to have artifacts in addition to the various portraits!
The website 

A Will of their Own: Judith Sargent Murray and Women of Achievement in the Early Republic at the National Portrait Gallery
I just happened upon this by looking at the NPG website. The hilarious part is that my final project for my Historic Site Interpretation Class revolved around this very topic! Check out the website

While I am sure that I could add more, I find it bet when I limit myself to a couple exhibits, otherwise I get overwhelmed and can't concentrate on the various elements I've now been trained to notice. I'm really excited for this semester of school to be over, and hope that this break allows me to explore some new exhibitions!

Christmas at Mount Vernon

I was able to get the chance to go to Mount Vernon and see it decorated for the holidays. While in the 1790s they did not decorate like we think of Christmas decorations today. The decoration in the house was pretty much limited to evergreen bows over the windows, and the Christmas Camel on the lawn Aladdin. I just love going to Mount Vernon, and I now have an annual pass so I can go whenever I want!

The Thanksgiving Turkey

Aladdin the Christmas Camel

I love this house so much!

The Greenhouse

View of the Potomac from the Veranda

View of the Spinning Room. 

The Loom. G.W. was a huge proponent of homespun cloth for his Plantation. 

Mount Vernon in Gingerbread, Incredible!

Veranda View

It is so detailed, and looks exactly like the house!

One of my favorite spots. I can just picture the Washington family sitting out here, and watching the activity that passed by on the Potomac River. I am in awe when I stand here, and think about it. I'm so lucky to be able to go here whenever I want to. 

Welcome to 2012

Well I had a whirlwind end to the semester in December. All I can say is that it is over, and I survived the insanity. I was able to go home to Florida for a week and a half over Christmas. It was so wonderful to be home, and to see most of my amazing friends. I also got a Kindle for Christmas which is the only thing that I wanted! I really wanted to stay longer, but alas it was time to get back to the District, and my lovely job. I'm now in the midst of revamping my resume in the hopes that I can graduate to a real job at a museum anywhere.
Classes began on Tuesday, and so far I think I feel more comfortable this semester with the work load and with the type of work that I will be doing. I am taking Religion in American Culture, which will not only prove to be interesting. I also get to delve a little bit back into my Southern Religion books, and that is what I am most excited about. My life would be made if I could just study southern history, because that is where my history passion lies along with African-american history, and american women history. Hopefully I'll have more regular posts about my life here in the District and the few things I get to do for fun when I have time. I'm planning a Christmas at Mount Vernon post to be published shortly, get excited for a picture of the presidential pardoned turkey!