Introduction to My Project (2/7/2025)

Evangeline C -

Hello! My name is Evangeline Clarke, and I am a senior at BASIS Scottsdale.

Museums are facing dwindling attendance and finances. Just as the prior decades saw zoos and aquariums being pressed by the public to update their facilities in accordance with modern sensibilities, museums need to evolve, too. For my senior project, I will be applying best practices in museum and exhibit design for information acquisition and retention to the creation of an exhibit. I will assist with understanding and retention for an exhibit on a historically significant event in the history and development of the Verde Valley. The River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills has commissioned Museum Pros — my site placement– to redesign the museum. I have been put in charge from start to finish of one of the exhibits specifically relating to the entertainment activities throughout the history of the city of Fountain Hills. As of today, I have attended a museum board meeting with Museum Pros, discussing the future possible routes of action the museum could take, and have attended a meeting with the new executive director of the museum to get myself acquainted with the actual exhibit plan and the museum archives.  Not only will I learn state-of-the-art and best practices in museum design and immersive experiences, but I will also have the opportunity to apply some of the educational techniques to improve delivery. Additionally, the museum was also excited about my extensive training and experience in non-profit fundraising and asked that I consult on their planning committee for development and attendance. Building and maintaining a vibrant base of support is only possible through cultivation, and a large part of cultivation is keeping museum donors and visitors engaged and eager to be a part of what’s next. 

For more information regarding my site placement:

Site Placement Website: museumprosllc.org

Museum Website: riveroftime.center

 

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Comments:

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    mr_covalciuc
    Sounds fantastic!
    February 9, 2025 at 9:04 am - Reply
    mahalena_g
    Hi Evie! I’m excited to follow your progress and see how your work makes a difference in enhancing both the visitor experience and the museum's future!
    February 10, 2025 at 12:01 pm - Reply
    aditya_l
    Hi Evie, this is a really cool project idea! I think it is really nice that you are directly shaping a museum through exhibit design. What are some exhibit designs that you are looking forward to learning about? What are some goals that you have for the project (i.e. is there a target number of visitors that you hope to boost through the techniques that you learn?). I look forward to learning more about your project!
    February 11, 2025 at 10:57 am - Reply
      evangeline_c
      Hi Aditya, thanks for your questions! The exact exhibit design is still being finalized and will largely depend on the topics chosen by the museum and the site placement advisor. As for the target number, there haven’t been specific discussions about the exact number of visitation increases yet. However, the museum aims to attract more visitors to boost funding from the city and increase ticket sales.
      February 11, 2025 at 10:54 pm - Reply
    mikyle_h
    Cool idea, Evie. What inspired you to initiate this project and learn about museum design?
    February 11, 2025 at 10:51 pm - Reply
      evangeline_c
      Hey, Mikyle! I was inspired to initiate this project through my college application journey. I applied to most schools as a History of Art major, and as I reviewed the course catalogs, I noticed how much emphasis art history programs place on exhibit design and museum curation. I thought it would be a great idea to use my senior project as an introduction to this pathway.
      February 11, 2025 at 11:04 pm - Reply
    alisha_j
    Hi Evangeline, I love the idea. I am happy you were able to get a very high responsibility of leading the project to finish one of the exhibits in the museum. I can't wait to hear more about your time at the museum and your experience as the leader for the project.
    February 14, 2025 at 10:30 am - Reply

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