AASLH - In the City of Love
From the moment I exited the airport’s maze of asphalt, I knew I was in trouble.
Every year, the museum/history/preservation community comes together to celebrate our profession, lift each other up and glean ideas from the best and brightest in our fields. I am fortunate to be able to attend 1 or 2 of these gatherings each year, and this August, I chose the American Association for State and Local History. Its annual conference was held in Philadelphia, and from the moment I exited the airport’s maze of asphalt, I knew I was in trouble. Philadelphia is a remarkable city. History envelops you at every turn, and there is so much to do, see, and eat! So what, exactly was the trouble, you ask? I had paid for the history conference, which was held in a conference center of a (beautiful) hotel. Who can stay inside when Philly is calling? Dear AASLH, please schedule all future conferences at dull, unappealing locations (although at the time of this writing, I can’t think of one!)
Old Books and White Gloves - Yes, Please!
One of the things I miss most from my college days is research. I believe that we, as historians, public historians, and scholars, have a deeply ingrained need for
One of the things I miss most from my college days is research. I believe that we, as historians, public historians, and scholars, have a deeply ingrained need for primary sources and the ability to dig into texts, manuscripts, and photos to pick out a story. Ah, the smell of old paper! Then we grow up and get jobs and find that there no longer is time for research.
During the summer of 2019, I had the opportunity to get back into the archives and renew my love affair with primary sources. At some point, that first day, wearing gloves and relegated only to a pencil, I paused a moment to enjoy the foundation of my profession. Here, I share it with you.
Hidden Treasures: Butterfly Lodge Museum, Greer
Butterfly Lodge, “Apuni Oyis” in Blackfeet, was built in 1913 as a hunting cabin for James Willard Schultz, renown author of western lore at the turn of the 20th century.
A stunning example of Naoma’s beadwork.
My first independent gig as Museum Pros was a makeover at the Butterfly Lodge Museum in Greer, AZ. I was invited to volunteer by friend and colleague, Brenda Abney, who coordinated a field services team. What an experience!
Butterfly Lodge, “Apuni Oyis” in Blackfeet, was built in 1913 as a hunting cabin for James Willard Schultz, renown author of western lore at the turn of the 20th century. He was an adventurer, explorer, and wordsmith who traveled the west in search of inspiration. He found it in Arizona among other places and spent time in Greer at the little cabin. In 1920, Schultz and his son, Hart Merriam, also known as Lone Wolf, stayed at Butterfly Lodge and used it as base camp for a hunting and exploring excursion in the state. Later, Lone Wolf and wife Naoma used the Lodge as a winter/spring home and studio.
In the 1970s, the cabin was turned over to the parks service, with its contents intact. Those artifacts became the core of the collection for the historic house museum there today. Schultz’s memorabilia, Lone Wolf’s studio, and much of Naoma’s beaded art and personal belongings are preserved and exhibited beautifully.
The weekend spent in Greer was a whirlwind of stabilizing, storing, cataloging, and mounting artifacts in advance of the Museum’s open season. My job was the master bedroom, which was full of personal memorabilia. Being in that intimate space was thrilling, as it enabled me to see a tiny glimpse of their lives as a couple, as artists, and as members of the community. I processed ball gowns and hiking boots, fur stoles and unfinished moccasins. With each artifact, I felt a bit closer to the story, and got a glimpse of the fascinating lives these people led.
Take a field trip and go! The museum is open seasonally, so call for hours of operation. Greer is beautiful and welcoming, and while there, be sure to stop in at the historic Molly Butler Lodge Restaurant. History is cool.
Stitching a cover on a mannequin in the master bedroom.
Once Upon a Time...
. . . there was an overworked, undercompensated museum director. That is how the story begins. In fact, that’s how the story of many small museum begins. It’s simply
.. . . there was an overworked, under-compensated museum director. That is how the story begins. In fact, that’s how the story of many small museum begins. It’s simply a fact of our profession. For many small, local history museums, passion for the work overrules all else, and we fight to keep the doors open, staff hired, and volunteers fulfilled despite the workload. So much falls through the cracks. I spent 24 years watching that battle in the organizations I involved myself in, and then 7 years fighting it myself. At the breaking point, an idea emerged. Clone myself. Not me, specifically, but another director. A person who had the experience, who needed no training, a person who could just finish ticky-tack projects on my list so I could run the business. I needed a museum pro.
I searched for that help to no avail. A few dear souls were willing, but their credentials either didn’t fit the need, or their price tags represented a large percentage of the overall budget. Consultants were also ready to assist, but I didn’t need a glossy report – I needed results. I needed the grant written and submitted, not a road map on how to write it. I needed a new exhibit in the gallery, not a project manager with a plan.
Museum Pros, LLC was created to fill that need for small museums. I love learning about the varied and diverse missions of different arts and cultural institutions and am always reassured by one constant – all face the same challenges on different scales. Since creating this endeavor, I’ve been happier than ever professionally. Helping connect communities to their heritage by strengthening their cultural institutions and opportunities brings me great joy, and I am honored to share my passion with you.
““It’s not a museum. It’s not a place of artifacts; it’s a place of ideas””