About Us
Welcome
I'm honored to be the newest director of the University of Delaware’s Museum Studies and Public Engagement Program. Established in 1972, we are one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious training grounds for students interested in careers in museums and other public-facing cultural institutions from archives to zoos.
I’ve worked myself in museums and historic preservation — before coming to UD to teach in the History and Art History departments, I helped spearhead the creation of CUNY's first public history graduate program. I'm excited to return to these roots while working with our amazing students, faculty, staff and alumni to build on our strengths and grow the MSPE program in new directions.
I’m passionate about building connections, whether that's between programs and departments on campus or between the academy and the public. I’d love to connect with you about our dynamic programs for undergraduate and graduate students and the important work our many alumni are doing in museums and cultural institutions across the United States and beyond.
It is no exaggeration to say that Blue Hens are everywhere in the museum world! For decades, UD’s MSPE program has trained the future staff and leaders of our museums and cultural institutions. There's never been a more important time to come together to do this work. I look forward to being in touch.
—Zara Anishanslin, Director, Museum Studies & Public Engagement and Associate Professor of History and Art History
What Sets Us Apart?
Our program is rooted in service. Through team-based projects, students collaborate with local museums and organizations to engage communities and build lasting, meaningful relationships. Each January, many students volunteer with our Collections AID initiative, providing intensive collections help to small institutions across the region. We also support local museums through our online resource hub, Sustaining Places, and provide hands-on experience at conferences and professional gatherings.
We prepare future museum leaders—not just specialists—by teaching a broad set of technical skills. Students gain real-world experience in collections management, digital tools, community engagement, nonprofit finance, and fundraising. Our curriculum emphasizes practical, applicable knowledge to help graduates thrive in roles across departments and institutions of all sizes.
Every student completes a substantial internship, guided by our ethic of service. This commitment often leads to valuable connections, meaningful contributions, and strong career opportunities in the field.
As we move forward, we’re expanding our partnerships, curriculum, and training to help students become agents of inclusion, understanding, and justice—locally and globally.
Visit Us
The main office of the Museum Studies and Public Engagement Program is located at Munroe Hall, 46 W. Delaware Avenue, Newark, DE 19716 on the University of Delaware’s main campus in Newark, Delaware.
Newark, Delaware is approximately 20 minutes away from Wilmington, Delaware, an hour from both Philadelphia and Baltimore, two hours from Washington D.C., and two and a half hours from New York City. For visiting the ISLL within the context of your visit to the University of Delaware please visit Experience UD.
The College’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are significant parts of the University of Delaware's College of Arts and Sciences values and goals. The college's commitment to these values is not just evident in its student body but also in its faculty, staff, and curriculum, ensuring a fully inclusive experience. Through this steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the college continues to enrich its educational offerings, allowing each student to benefit from a wide array of viewpoints and experiences.
