This has been sent to ARTIFACT (which suggests this type of message) &
MUSEUM-L, both of which I joined yesterday, by way of introduction.
 
My name is Renee Raduechel, and during the week I work developing a
department library at GE Medical Systems in New Berlin, Wisconsin.  On
weekends I work as a costumed interpreter at Old World Wisconsin, an
outdoor living history museum in Eagle, Wisconsin, which covers the
state's frontier period (ca. 1840-1915).  I started working at OWW back
in 1987 while still in college (B.A. in English, minor in history), and
until 1992 was in costume 5 days a week during the season.
 
The broad subjects that interest me most are women's studies and the
history of technology.  Where the functions of a museum are concerned,
I'm most interested in historical research, special event programming,
and all aspects of interpretation.  From this list, I hope to learn as
much as possible about behind-the-scenes at the museum, resource sharing,
and material culture.  I don't know how much I'll be able to contribute
to the list, although I'm certainly willing to discuss my experience(s)
as an interpreter at a living history museum, the lessons I've learned,
and the problems I've encountered.  I also hope any questions I might ask
will be the catalyst for useful discussion.
 
Why did I subscribe now?  Two main reasons.  In the first place, I just
volunteered to help develop the "library" at our site, and am hoping to
be able to discuss problems and ideas here.  In the second place,  I
recently came up with an idea for a special event that I and a couple of
other interpreters (who do have museum studies backgrounds) plan to develop
before presenting to the curatorial and administrative staff at OWW.  The
second reason is where I thought the ARTIFACT list would be helpful, though
I'm also interested because our new director wants more of an artifact focus
in our interpretations.
 
My first questions/comments:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1.  I'd be interested in hearing what kind of reputation OWW has (if
    any  :^) --  especially, though not limited to, first hand impressions.
2.  Any suggestions concerning points to consider in our presentation of
    the special event idea?  As professionals, how would you react if a
    group of interpreters came to you with a special event suggestion?
3.  Does anyone know if a list for museum librarians exists, and, if so,
    where?  Or other museum or interpretation related lists?
4.  Are there any other interpreters on this list?  Anyone else from
    WI historic sites?
 
This is mainly curiosity.  Actual questions related to my interests and
plans will follow (once I get a bit more organized).  Feel free to let me
know if I ask questions outside the scope of the lists (though I have
retrieved logs for both lists to find out what type of discussion has
occurred here in the past).
 
Thanks for your time,
Renee Raduechel
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