Museum intern gets hands-on experience at Naper Settlement

Megan Wozniak, who is pursuing a master's degree in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, is the recipient of Naper Settlement's 2015 Powell Museum Studies internship.

The 16-week internship, from January through April, offers practical museum training experience to individuals interested in pursuing a career in the museum field.

A lifelong suburban Chicago resident, Wozniak graduated summa cum laude and honors scholar from Elmhurst College with dual bachelor of science degrees in history and psychology, with a minor in art. While attending college, she volunteered at the Elmhurst Historical Museum and was a staff assistant at the Theatre Historical Society of America in Elmhurst.

At the two Elmhurst museums, she helped install and take down exhibitions, assisted with cataloging archival material and worked with children during summer programs. The focus of her master's degree is collections management, and she enjoys learning the stories behind each object.

"We embrace the genuine interest and enthusiasm Megan brings to the Powell internship experience with her pure desire to immerse herself in museum operations at an accredited institution," said Louise Howard, Naper Settlement's chief curator.

"She will have many opportunities to apply her textbook knowledge to practical real-life museum applications and build upon her prior experiences in both collections and programming areas."

During her internship, Wozniak is assisting the curatorial department with various aspects of its operations, including processing of incoming artifact donations, inventory, cleaning and rehousing of collections, as well as exhibition development and installation of both on- and off-site displays.

She also is helping with programs and program development for the Learning Experiences Department.

"When I saw there was an opportunity to intern with a variety of departments at Naper Settlement, I jumped at the chance," Wozniak said. "First, because of its prestige, and second, because I have been visiting over the years since I was old enough to run from building to building."

The John K. and Judith H. Powell Museum Studies Internship was established in 2012 and offers a $500 stipend to the recipient. The late Jack Powell was chairman of the Naperville Heritage Society from 1980 to 1982 and Judy Powell is a member of the Weed Ladies floral design volunteers. This is the third year the internship has been awarded.