Special Projects
Get Involved
For related opportunities (e.g., research assistants) we typically connect with students through faculty in appropriate programs. The Lenfest Center also offers opportunities for students through co-ops, classes, and faculty research projects. Or contact the Lenfest Center at mrc337@drexel.edu if you are interested in being considered for future opportunities.
Project Examples
Benjamin Cooper House/Tavern / American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey, Camden
Interpretive planning, 2022 - 23
The Lenfest Center is providing interpretive planning services for this historic site in development, engaging the surrounding community in the process.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Audubon, PA
Collections management, 2022 - 23
The Lenfest Center produced a Collections Management Policy and Collections Plan for this historic site outside Philadelphia, where Audubon first lived when he came from France in 1803. This included developing protocols for collections care and handling, reviewing and advising on updating catalog records/software, and supporting implementation.
West Overton Village, Scottdale, PA
Interpretive planning, 2020 - 21
The Lenfest Center produced an interpretive plan for this historic site in Western Pennsylvania, the original site of the Old Overholt whiskey distillery and birthplace of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. This was part of a master site plan (in collaboration with Metcalfe Architecture & Design).
National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem, PA
Exhibit planning/development and project management, 2015 - 16
The Lenfest Center helped develop the inaugural exhibits at this new museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate based in a former repair shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant (with Metcalfe Architecture & Design). Focused on industrial history beginning in the 19th century, the exhibits emphasize diverse perspectives, including who visited (and was excluded from) the 1876 Centennial Exposition, women’s roles in industry, and activism and social reform.
Heritage Tourism Initiative, Philadelphia
Planning and project management, 2014 - 15
This pilot initiative of the Lenfest Center focused on history and heritage tourism in Philadelphia, in partnership with Visit Philadelphia, the National Park Service, and a group of stakeholder sites to rebrand and market the area around Independence National Historical Park as Historic Philadelphia, increase programs for visitors, and test a joint admissions pass. The project also resulted in an Official Trail of Philadelphia’s Historic District.
The Lenfest Center has also partnered with:
- The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (Exhibit planning and co-ops)
- African American Museum in Philadelphia (Strategic/space planning and classes)
- Andalusia Historic House and Gardens (Strategic advising)
- Ardrossan (Strategic advising)
- Ballinglen Workshops, Ballycastle, Ireland (Strategic advising)
- Brandywine Workshop and Archives (Strategic advising, co-ops and faculty research project)
- CraftNOW (Strategic advising and co-ops)
- Drexel University Collections (Strategic planning)
- Drexel University Office of University and Community Partnerships (Transition/succession planning)
- Drexel University Thomas R. Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy (Exhibit planning) (Read Drexel Magazine article about project)
- Drexel University VisionForward National Gender Equality Initiative (Exhibit planning) (About this project)
- Fleisher Art Memorial (Strategic planning)
- The Franklin Fountain LLC (Strategic planning, seminar and student project)
- Independence National Historical Park - First Bank of the United States (Interpretive/exhibit planning, class and research internships)
- Reading Terminal Market (Interpretive planning and class)