Museum Curator
CurrentAs Museum Curator, I am working to open and develop Sunrise Mill as the newest public history site overseen and administered by Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1767, Sunrise is an historic gristmill and sawmill complex in operation for more than 175 years. It was also the homestead of the famed physician Dr. Chevalier Q. Jackson, a medical pioneer who developed the modern bronchoscope, tracheotomy, and advocated for some of the earliest consumer protection laws. As a public history… Show more As Museum Curator, I am working to open and develop Sunrise Mill as the newest public history site overseen and administered by Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1767, Sunrise is an historic gristmill and sawmill complex in operation for more than 175 years. It was also the homestead of the famed physician Dr. Chevalier Q. Jackson, a medical pioneer who developed the modern bronchoscope, tracheotomy, and advocated for some of the earliest consumer protection laws. As a public history site, Sunrise will interpret Dr. Jackson's life and legacy, contextualizing him with the unique and varied history of Sunrise as a center of commerce, industry, and innovation.In this role, I am responsible for all aspects of curatorial work. I oversee the care and management of the site's growing collections, including accessioning, cataloging and database entry, cleaning and storage, environmental monitoring, and integrated pest management, among other tasks. I also oversee the primary research and interpretation of the site, working to create diverse and engaging content, including physical and virtual exhibits, online material and social media content, and public programming that will connect visitors with the rich history of Sunrise. Finally, I serve as the primary county liaison for the ongoing restoration work for the property, coordinating with county staff, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders to help coordinate the successful restoration of the gristmill and physical improvements to the rest of the site. Show less