Museum Studies at Delaware is in an exciting period of growth and change. In the future, I anticipate enhanced course offerings, the establishment of a new professional mentoring program, and stronger working relationships with area museums and cultural agencies. I also encourage students who are pursuing doctoral studies toward careers in higher education to consider adding the Museum Studies Certificate to their professional portfolios. An increasing number of faculty members in higher education are involved in “public humanities,” collaborating with not-for-profit organizations in creating and presenting scholarship for community audiences. Understanding the historical background and ethical principles that guide museums, along with having experience in their professional practices, can suggest new avenues for future collaborations in both scholarship and teaching.

My hope for all our current and future students is that they will become dynamic, creative, and resourceful employees in museums and effective and passionate advocates for museums and public humanities more broadly. American museums offer unique perspectives on our society and many cultures through their interpretation of the treasured collections they contain. I hope – and expect -- that the skills University of Delaware Museum Studies graduates bring to the places they work will help to assure the future of the institutions that millions of Americans (including me) cherish.

Katherine C. Grier
Director, Museum Studies Program