Frazier History Museum

Posted February 14, 2012

Kristina Kimmick, Frazier History Museum Volunteer

I could not begin to count the number of times since I began volunteering with the Frazier Museum that people have asked me why? Why are you here? Why volunteer? What’s in it for you? Apparently volunteering is for retired school teachers who have grown bored with their gardening, not 23 year old college students who already have too much on their plate.

Well, I’m a big enough person to admit that when I initially contacted the museum about becoming a volunteer, it was for my own selfish, self-serving reasons.  You see, I’m a History Major and I thought that spending the summer volunteering at a museum would look good on my resume.  I know, I know, shame on me.  But it’s a tough world out there, and you need any leg up you can get. Anyways, that one summer was about two years ago, and I’m still here.

That brings us back to the initial question of why? Well honestly, I fell in love with this place. I’ve walked through the galleries literally dozens of times, and I always find something new. There is no end to the treasures you’ll find here if you just stop and look. One of my absolute favorite artifacts in the entire museum is the Italian Armor in the Tudor Gallery of the Royal Arms Collection. The etching on this armor is absolutely beautiful, if you take the time to stop and actually look. I could go on and on about my favorite artifacts for days, but I’ll spare you that. (Click the photos for a larger image.)

    

Aside from being a happy little history nerd who likes to stare at 16^th Century armor for hours on end, it also became about more than just myself. I do most of my volunteering with the Education Department and rarely miss a SECOND SATURDAY program. The people I’ve meet, the relationships I’ve built working with this department and doing these programs, have become much more important than resume building. Don’t get me wrong. I have learned so much more than I had ever anticipated. The staff has been fantastic in realizing that this is my chosen field, and they really go out of their way to help me learn and excel. But when it comes right down to it, it’s about the kids. I look forward to Second Saturdays probably more than the kids do. There are few things that bring me more joy than watching their little eyes grow wide and their mouths drop open because they are so in awe of what your showing them or what your teaching them.  The best part is when they come back and they remember you, something you did or something you taught them. That is what’s in it for me. That is the ultimate reward.