“A museum is a place where one should lose one’s head”
– Renzo Piano
Top 3 issues I hope to address as an emerging museum professional:
Accessibility and Inclusion.
Accessibility must extend beyond retroactive accommodations; museums must embrace a universal design approach that prioritizes inclusivity from the outset. Informed by my background in education, I apply the Universal Design for Learning framework to develop programs that proactively address diverse needs. This approach ensures that museum spaces are not only physically accessible but also intellectually and culturally inclusive, which foster an environment where all visitors feel represented, valued, and fully engaged.
Decolonization.
Decolonization and repatriation are necessary steps toward ethical museum practices. Museums must critically assess how collections are acquired and interpreted, working alongside marginalized communities to ensure authentic, respectful storytelling. True accountability means building lasting relationships and actively listening to those whose histories have been misrepresented or excluded. In a leadership role, I would prioritize partnerships with cultural representatives to foster transparency and inclusive interpretation.
Sustainability.
Sustainability is an emerging priority as museums confront their environmental impact. From energy-efficient exhibition design to waste reduction and responsible collections management, museums can lead by example in adopting green practices. A commitment to sustainability ensures that museums not only preserve history but also contribute to a healthier future.
Educational Programing at the Illinois Railway Museum.
I developed two engaging early educational programs at the Illinois Railway Museum, focused on introducing young learners to railroad safety and the history of railroads through interactive activities. These programs included hands-on workshops, storytelling, and guided tours designed to foster curiosity and build foundational knowledge about train safety, transportation history, and the role of railroads in shaping communities.
Planning Special Events at the Illinois Railway Museum.
At the Illinois Railway Museum, I collaborated with museum staff and volunteers to plan and coordinate special events, such as the Pumpkin Train and the Happy Holiday Railroad (pictured), to enhance visitor experiences and promote railway history. Working closely with the Events and Outreach Coordinator, I assisted with logistical planning, program development, and volunteer coordination to ensure seamless event execution. Through this role, I contributed to creating engaging, well-organized events that strengthened community engagement and supported the museum’s mission of preserving and interpreting railroad history.
Speaker’s Bureau at the Illinois Railway Museum.
While at the Illinois Railway Museum, I developed a Speaker’s Bureau presentation on the Cultural Impact of the American Railroad, examining how railroads have shaped American art, literature, film, and other cultural expressions. The presentation highlighted the symbolic role of railroads in storytelling, their representation in visual arts, and their influence on cinematic narratives. By connecting these cultural themes to relevant artifacts in the museum’s collection, the presentation offered a comprehensive exploration of the railroad’s enduring legacy in American culture
Volunteer Program for the Brookfield Grossdale Station Museum.
At the Brookfield Grossdale Station Museum, I designed and implemented a structured volunteer program to enhance community engagement and support museum operations. Grounded in research and best practices, the program focused on recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers for roles in visitor engagement, guided tours, collections care, and special events. By establishing clear roles, streamlining onboarding, and ongoing support, the program created a sustainable framework that strengthened the museum’s connection with the community and enhanced its mission of preserving local history.
*Make sure to also check out my museum lesson plans on the lesson plans page*
Riley Harper 