Paris Gramann: Supporting Philadelphia Culture
Paris Gramann
“I am getting to be a part of so many programs and initiatives at this co-op.”
Paris Gramann, Bachelor’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship and Product Design, Pennoni Honors College, Class of 2020 Paris is one of 34 undergraduates who applied for the Center-sponsored co-op with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance beginning spring 2017. As social media and communications fellow, she curates content for Phillyfunguide and the STAMP (teen) program, schedules and updates social pages, works with analytics and advertising, and helps with events. She also creates material for grant proposals, marketing, and advocacy. Recently she worked with a team at the Alliance to roll out an editorial on Phillyfunguide—“#FedFundsMatter: Right Here in Philadelphia”—that highlights the local cultural institutions supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts that participate in Art-Reach’s ACCESS Admission Program. She said “This has been a great project to work on as it covers program partnerships, content creation and social media strategy.” Of the co-op experience, Paris said “Thank you for making this opportunity possible for me. The Cultural Alliance is a warm and welcoming group. I am learning so much here. I am having a wonderful experience. I really appreciate it.”Seth Kurtz: Researching in the Founding Fathers’ Footsteps
Seth Kurtz
“Most importantly, I have met some people who have tremendous knowledge of and insight into this era, and who are just as passionate about this era of American history as I am.”
Seth Kurtz, Bachelor of Arts in History, College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2019 Seth is one of the Center’s three summer 2017 undergraduate interns supporting development of an exhibit at the First Bank of the United States (part of Independence National Historical Park), which has not been open to the public for decades. He was eager to continue his involvement through this internship after beginning the work in Dr. Remer’s Hamilton’s Bank: An Applied History Course in spring 2017. (The class participated in workshops with Park staff and scholars, and created an interpretive outline for the exhibit.) Seth is currently researching and writing overviews of two exhibit themes—economic instability, and states vs. federal government—which the Park will use to help train more than 50 Rangers in the subject matter. Seth was interested in the project because, as he said, “Learning would be taking place not only through independent research, but also on the streets and in the buildings in the Philadelphia area where these historic events actually took place…I have become immersed in the events of this time period through my work.”Jennifer Cutler: Making History Accessible for the Future of a National Historical Park
Jennifer Cutler
“This experience has given me a look into exhibit planning that I think very few students are lucky enough to have. Being involved with conceptualizing and researching various aspects of an exhibit is an invaluable experience.”
Jennifer Cutler, Bachelor of Arts in History, College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2018 Jennifer is one of the Center’s three summer 2017 undergraduate interns supporting development of an exhibit at the First Bank of the United States (part of Independence National Historical Park), which has not been open to the public for decades. She is currently researching and writing overviews of two exhibit themes—What is a bank?; and the First Bank’s architecture, and its context and iconography—which the Park will use to help train more than 50 Rangers in the subject matter. Jennifer said “I was immediately excited to work with the National Park Service. As a Philadelphia native, I have enjoyed visiting its local sites since elementary school and am excited to contribute to a potential future site. All students of history learn that everything has a history, and this project has given me the opportunity to learn how to best access that history and publicize it in a way that is educational and useful within my community...This project has also taken me out of my wheelhouse in terms of subject matter and given me the confidence to explore new areas of research.”Maegan Madrigal: Practicing Hands-On History
Maegan Madrigal
“Most of my history research has been geared toward other history majors and my professors, so it’s been a different experience gearing my research to the general public.”
Maegan Madrigal, Bachelor of Arts in History, Class of 2019 Maegan is one of the Center’s three summer 2017 undergraduate interns supporting development of an exhibit at the First Bank of the United States (part of Independence National Historical Park), which has not been open to the public for decades. She is currently researching and writing an overview of a major exhibit theme—the First Bank as modern and innovative—which the Park will use to help train more than 50 Rangers in the subject matter. Maegan said one of her history professors “introduced me to the project knowing that I prefer more “hands-on” history…the project seemed like the perfect way to learn more about the beginnings of Philadelphia, as well as hopefully see my research helping to reopen the First Bank. I learned just how important Philadelphia was as a city and financial center to the growth of the United States and its economic system…It’s also been a great experience for me to not only maintain a full-time job, but also do independent research while working in a group. Lastly, it’s taught me how to balance different aspects of my life while meeting deadlines.”Lisa Getz: Curating Women’s Suffrage
Lisa Getz
“This practicum has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and do something I’ve never done before.”
Lisa Getz, Master of Science in Museum Leadership, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Class of 2018 After practicing interpretive planning through a Center-sponsored course in collaboration with Reading Terminal Market in fall 2016, Lisa is back working with us for her Museum Leadership practicum. She is working to plan a small 100th anniversary exhibit on the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution—which gave women the right to vote—for display in 2020 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and/or a Drexel venue. The project has required highly independent work, as well as collaboration with staff at the Constitution Center and related institutions. In summer 2017 she produced an interpretive plan as the basis for the exhibit, and during the fall she will continue to develop the exhibit plan. Lisa said “Having the opportunity to work...on a plan for a 19th Amendment exhibit has been an engaging and informative experience...As I reflect on things I’ve learned from this practicum that will help me in my future career, one of the biggest lessons for me has been learning to manage expectations, which includes being able to communicate clearly…I’ve also learned that it is OK to ask questions, in fact, it is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the success of any project…This practicum...has forced me to learn new skills...I believe the skills I’ve obtained during the last nine weeks and the people I’ve met will continue to be great resources during my future endeavors. My work on the interpretive plan has proven to me that this is the kind of work I want to do. I want the opportunity to inspire people to learn new things and experience stories that change the way they see the world. These might seem like lofty goals, but they are the reason I’ve always been drawn to museums…I think they are magical places.”Kendra Linton: Space Planning for the African American Museum
Kendra Linton