I would like to consider how to engage a broader student population. This includes students who study astronomy, astrophysics, chemical science, comparative religion, environmental engineering, Public Policy, Women Studies, etc. As a starting point, I suggest that the museum becomes more Michigan-like by incorporating the maize colors on the outside and inside of their building because every student shares the commonality of attending the university. Additionally, artifacts excavated by the university should be identified with the M block to highlight the museum’s archeological practices and credibility to contextualize its artifacts on display; it would also show school spirit. Furthermore, considering that artifacts should be displayed for audience members who have little to no prior knowledge of the ancient world, comparisons to the modern-day could easily bridge the gap and create a significance between the student and the ancient object. After meeting with the museum’s archivist, Sebastián Encina, I have assembled a list of artifacts in the Mesopotamian collection that could be used for such comparisons.
In addition, I think if the museum engaged in conversation on topics that students are currently concerned about it could also engage more members. For example, a display in the Ancient Near Eastern Gallery could focus on the importance of climate for the earliest civilizations, showing how they stewarded their land for long-term agricultural production. For the modern connection, the museum could partner with researchers at the university and other activists to provide practical applications on how to steward resources in the modern-day.
The Kelsey Museum also has a unique opportunity, as a museum that focuses on humanity, to be a voice in the local community and lead as an example. The museum already reuses material from their previous galleries to prevent environmental waste and provides various methods of learning such as through their sensory friendly kits that contain headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, and emotional communication cards. The Rome Activity Bag is also available and full of activities for kids of all ages to do in the museum. Additionally, the museum is wheelchair accessible. However, I think the Kelsey Museum could reach an even broader audience from reaching out to a variety of local clubs and organizations: fraternities, diversity clubs, Big Brother Big Sister, the homeless shelter, etc. to offer workshops so that the museum not only makes itself known amongst the student population but that it becomes known amongst the local community.
These real-life experiences better help connect humanity together, which I argue is what the field of humanities should be accomplishing.
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Colander
Culinary
Astronomy
Tablet about Stars
Amulet to Prevent Back Pain
Medical
Flute Players
Entertainment
Education
School Tablet
Agriculture Tools
Environmental Studies
The list addresses which students the artifact could reach and provides examples of comparisons to modern-day objects.
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Michigan Superstition
Demon Superstition
Seal Impression
Instagram Photo
Legal Contract
The Lawyers Club
The museum could also invite students into the museums by hosting events such as food tasting, dance parties, movie nights, workshops, study sessions in the gallery, and “coffee + donuts and a lecture.” These types of events interest students and help establish a rapport with them.
The museum could also use their collection of Seleucia on the Tigris to compare ancient immigration to that of the modern-day immigration in the United States.
This could also create unique opportunities for students to interact with people outside of their sphere, which can help students become better scholars as they learn different perspectives.