MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT Bryan Wheeler June 2019 Volunteer of the Month The museum is excited to recognize Bryan Wheeler as the June Volunteer of the Month! Bryan started volunteering with the museum in May of 2018 as a University of Colorado Colorado Springs intern in the archives. Bryan came to us from the History Department and expressed his interest in the region’s tuberculosis history. Knowing his passion for regional history, his internship focused on inventorying the archival collection. After he completed his required hours, Bryan asked to stay on and to continue his work on the project. Bryan’s enthusiasm for history and passion for the museum was apparent to Stephanie Prochaska, Museum Archivist, and the project continued. “Bryan understands how the materials are used as well as the importance of getting them into our database to provide access,” Stephanie stated. Bryan came across all types of archival items, including photograph albums, ephemera, business correspondence and diaries to name a few. Reflecting on the materials he worked with, Bryan said: “I get so excited every time I get to read some one’s story.” In addition to working on archival inventory, Bryan joined the museum’s Acquisitions Committee. Bryan stated he feels lucky to be on the Committee because it “is a side of the museum [he] never thought of!” The museum partners with local institutions to provide real museum experience to students. We asked Bryan to reflect on his experience in the internship program and, now, as a volunteer: “Understanding the field of Museum work has been one of the greatest skills I have gained. I have worked with passionate and highly motived individuals that show me what good museum work looks like. I have very little exposure to the field prior to my internship, but over the past year, I have learned more than I could have ever thought- from preservation to exhibition, how a museum acquires the items and deaccessioning, and how a non-profit museum is able to run.” Bryan will be starting his Master’s Program in History this fall and would like to get his PhD in the future. His work in the Archives helped prepare the museum for the American Alliance of Museum’s Accreditation visit as well as provide better database records for access. Thank you Bryan for sharing your time and talents with the museum! MUSEUM STORE While you tour the wonderful exhibits at the Museum, make sure to take a turn through our Museum Store for a delightful array of books and unique regional gifts!
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