Abbe intern reflects on her work

As Rachel's internship at the Abbe comes to a close, she looks back at her work and experience. A special thanks goes out to both Rachel and Zach for their work this term, the exhibit they added to Layers of Time is great, as it brings that show up-to-date- some come and take a look!

When I started volunteering at the Abbe a year ago, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. Who knew that I would be interning here, helping out with the education program, and helping to expand an exhibit! It’s been a really valuable learning experience, and I know that I have gained some important skills and knowledge.

I have had the chance to learn about museums across the country that are also dedicated to the Native people of this land, many of which are creatively reaching out to their communities to help further their mission. During the majority of my lifetime, I have associated museums with fine art, hushed rooms, and un-touchable collections. I know now that this is not the case in all museums. There is a wide world of institutions that invite people to learn by asking, feeling, smelling, and creating. This tactile approach encourages active engagement and memorable visits. I am inspired to visit some of these museums I researched (the Bishop Museum in Hawaii jumps to mind…) and learn more about how to get people excited about learning something new, and to continue learning along the way myself.

It is also great to know that my involvement with the Abbe will continue past this internship. The Abbe is an important part of the MDI community, and I am lucky to be part of it. I am really looking forward to sharing what I have learned and accomplished here with friends and family. I am also looking forward to seeing where this experience will take me!