In their second year of graduate study, Museum & Cultural Heritage Studies students Madison Appleton and Murphy Movsovitz made positive differences in the arts and culture arena with significant undertakings at two distinguished Tallahassee institutions. Madison was immersed in hands-on collections and conservation work at the National Park Service’s Southeast Archaeological Center (SEAC), while Murphy honed a variety of skills as gallery associate, art history researcher, and events manager for LeMoyne Arts. The two graduated this spring with their master’s degrees after comprehensive academic study at the university and hands-on practice in the field. Both see their internships as foundational to their future careers.
Madison has become adept at collections work and conservation. She writes that her work at SEAC under the supervision of Registrar Penelope Yocum was as inspiring as it was instructive:
“The interdisciplinary nature of SEAC has allowed me an amazing opportunity to experience technical museum processes, from the time of object collection to storage audits. In my position as a Collections Intern, I have engaged with a wide range of museum techniques, skills, and methods,” says Madison. “I have learned how to multitask and divide my time to ensure my work is completed with attention to detail and care. I have also had incredible networking opportunities by becoming acquainted with National Parks professionals.”
Madison’s capstone project on soft mounting systems involved work with the National Parks Service’s Andersonville National Historic Site. She was the sole constructor of mounts for an exhibition of 44 archaeological and modern artifacts.
Murphy’s work at LeMoyne included a wide range of museum practices from event planning and execution, curatorial and museum education assistance, and development work to concentrated collections work and art history research. He supervised volunteers and other interns and acted as gallery shop manager. He also saw internship work as a critical growth catalyst:
“There was noticeable growth in my demeanor as a professional in the field. Through extensive email correspondence, speaking with artists and visitors, or collaborating closely with staff and interns, I became much more comfortable navigating the variety of interactions of the nonprofit sector. I learned the significance of balancing my fun, spirited personality within the confines of a mission-driven, professional workspace. My professional language developed through aiding in grant writing, donor outreach, and membership recruitment, which further strengthened my understanding of how arts organizations sustain themselves financially and work to cultivate community support.”
Murphy’s capstone project includes extensive study of Karl Zerbe and other notable artists from LeMoyne collections. His work will remain invaluable to the arts organization that has collected but not thoroughly studied their holdings.