Political Memorabilia Exhibition Curation

I assisted in curating the exhibition, “The Art and History of Campaign Political Communication.” This involved brainstorming sessions with the curatorial team where we discussed the overarching narrative of the exhibition, the themes we wanted to explore, and the ways to engage our audience effectively. The aim was to showcase how political communication has evolved over the years, emphasizing the role of memorabilia in shaping public perception and sentiment. I assisted the exhibit coordination in identifying a curated set of memorabilia from the Johnny Hayes collection to be prominently displayed in the exhibition. This included critical discussions on the theme of political communication while selecting artifacts that exemplified various techniques and strategies utilized by politicians over the decades. I was responsible for selecting specific items from the Johnny Hayes Collection that would resonate with our exhibition narrative. This activity required a deeper understanding of the political landscape, and I found myself delving into historical resources to find meaningful connections.

- Project Management: The project commenced with collaborative project management, as I actively participated in brainstorming sessions with the curatorial team. These sessions involved defining the exhibition’s overarching narrative, establishing thematic focal points, and strategizing effective audience engagement. This collaborative process honed my ability to contribute to and manage complex projects within a team environment.
- Exhibit design and material culture analysis: We aimed to showcase the evolution of political communication, necessitating critical discussions about the thematic relevance of each potential artifact. This involved analyzing the historical context and communicative intent embedded within each piece, fostering a deeper comprehension of how memorabilia shapes public perception.
- Manuscript and special collections (archival): This required meticulous examination of historical resources and a thorough understanding of the political landscape to ensure the selected artifacts resonated with the exhibition’s narrative. I delved into archival materials, enhancing my ability to research and interpret historical documents and artifacts.
- Exhibition design: From initial brainstorming to final artifact selection and display, I gained practical experience in transforming abstract concepts into tangible exhibits that effectively communicate historical narratives. This involved synthesizing research, applying analytical skills, and collaborating with a team to create a cohesive and engaging exhibition.