John Vanek Email & Phone Number

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

In my most recent role, as Exhibit Developer at Split Rock Studios, I worked collaboratively with 3D designers, graphic designers, and project managers to create immersive, interactive visitor experiences. From project kickoff notes through published exhibit text, my primary function was to get the interpretation right. I co-led exhibit designs from start to finish. Following an intensive discovery session with the client team, I worked with a 3D designer to define key themes, brainstorm components, and present our interpretation. Adjusting the design based on client feedback, we evolved the exhibit through four design phases. In Schematic Design, I laid out the project’s interpretive goals and audience, mapped ideas into physical space, and described exhibit components in detail. During Design Development, I wrote exhibit text, selected compelling images, planned AV experiences, and created reference documents for artists. Finally, during Preproduction, I guided graphic designers, artists, and AV sub-contractors through their work to ensure that the interpretive message and design vision shone through as a finished product.A number of exhibits I designed for Split Rock won national or state awards for interpretation and “good history.” Click the images below to learn more.In addition to my core responsibilities, I occasionally lent my skills to the sales division. I attended conferences, wrote interpretive plans in response to RFPs, and participated in client interviews. Split Rock had a very strong record of winning jobs when I was part of the sales process. I even wrote awards nominations for several exhibits Split Rock built but did not design. That is, while I initially knew nothing about the exhibit, I was tasked with explaining not just what it was about, but why it mattered and how it was innovative. For example, I drafted a nomination that earned Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site exhibits in New York an Award of Excellence from AALSH in 2024.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Formerly, when I ran GeneaLOGIC Family Research Services full time, I helped clients identify family in both the recent and distant past. I worked with people like adoptees and the children of sperm or egg donors to identify their biological parents with the help of DNA testing. (I identified my own biological father—a sperm donor— in 2015 despite all documentary evidence having been destroyed.) I also provided professional-grade "traditional" (document-based) genealogical research services.In the last few years, I significantly scaled back my GeneaLOGIC commitments. That said, if the timing and scope are right, I will take the occasional client.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin Area

As the lead writer, I had my hands in many different museum activities. I was responsible for writing exhibit text, marketing materials, and membership documents. I wrote most content for the museum's triannual 16-page mini-magazine, which I produced in Adobe InDesign. I was also the museum's web manager and media contact, and I sat on a city-wide committee encouraging cultural tourism. Most work my colleagues wrote, including various scripts, event invitations, and program pamphlets, also passed across my desk before production. I was one of the museum's primary researchers, developing historical content for exhibits, the magazine, the website, and local publications. I also initiated and administered a popular history book club at the museum. Finally, I served as reference librarian in the museum's library and archive.In all of these things, I contributed to the museum's strong intellectual output, and I shaped that output into a form that was easy for visitors to understand.

Greater Philadelphia Area

I produced an online exhibit on the history of consumer product packaging. The exhibit was based on research done by University of Delaware history department graduate students (including me) and drew from material and literary resources in the Hagley Library and Archives. I wrote the exhibit script, digitized artifacts, photographed objects, and edited html code in Dreamweaver. I pushed to maximize the amount of media content to engage the public on a subject that at first glance seems rather mundane.http://www.hagley.org/online_exhibits/packaging/index.html

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

I became skilled at buying used merchandise from the public and I always provided stellar customer service. I independently managed merchandise in multiple unique sections.

Working with the curator, lead designer, and media specialists, I developed a space devoted to music for The 1968 Exhibit. I wrote the section's introductory exhibit text, led the development of a multimedia music quiz, and acquired a variety of LPs for display in the "Music Lounge." I wrote the chapter “Interlude: Music” in the book The 1968 Project: A Nation Coming of Age (St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2011). I also produced a documentary radio program combining the music and events of 1968 that aired on 89.3 The Current, a major public radio station, November 6, 2011.

Researcher for the 1968 Project exhibit.I examined primary and secondary sources for pop culture and material culture to potentially include in the exhibit. I also managed social media accounts to share information and to generate interest and ideas from the public.

• Updated address lists and maps and solved a number of related problems• Door to door communication in any and all types of neighborhoods• Team member of the most efficient group in District 5

Jazz Appreciation Month Initiatives Intern at the National Museum of American History.• Wrote 43 page annual report for Jazz Appreciation Month 2008• Fostered relationships with financial partners and development task forces• Planned and advertised Jazz Appreciation Month 2009 kickoff events• Created 30 minute public presentation on the history of Latin Jazz utilizing four types of media • Promoted JAM nationally by communicating with jazz organizations, musicians, schools, and the public• Built a strong understanding of the organizational structure of the largest museum and research complex in the world

Career Peer at the Cross-College Advising Service Exploration Center for Majors and Careers.• Guided students in early stages of career development to appropriate resources• Discussed major and career planning personally with apprehensive students to create comfortable environment• Assisted in facilitating career and major workshops and seminars• Marketed and promoted services for major and career exploration• Organized student contact data and promotional materials

Master Of Arts (M.A.), History

Activities and Societies: Hagley Fellow, American Historical Association, Organization of American HistoriansAs part of the Hagley.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), History

Activities and Societies: Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series, DJ on college radio station, study abroad in Athens.

Education record

Activities and Societies: National Honor Society (president), Track and Field (captain), Football, Concert Band, Improv Jazz Ensembles.