Museum and Historic Preservation

Starting in September 2024, I collaborated with four fellow students to revise a condition and usage report for the historic buildings at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. We utilized the 2010 Center for Historic Preservation report as a baseline, assessing the progress of building improvements and identifying remaining necessary work.

My contributions involved extensive onsite recordation from September to November 2024, which included photographing and analyzing the buildings and structures along the main walking tour for signs of deterioration. This hands-on experience directly developed my architectural survey skills. I authored detailed architectural descriptions and recommendations for the L&N Train Caboose, Windmill/Well, and Pavilion. In addition, I developed a section on the interpretation of space for Cannonsburgh Village, which required a formal analysis of the existing interpretive markers. This process honed my ability to evaluate and suggest improvements to meet 21st-century standards.

Throughout this project, I also gained valuable experience in project management and strategic planning. The need to coordinate with my colleagues, adhere to deadlines, and contribute to the overall goals of the revised report necessitated effective project management. Similarly, determining how to best assess and document the buildings, and how to propose relevant recommendations, required strategic planning. By comparing the 2010 report to the current conditions, I and my student-colleagues were able to strategize and plan for future work.