The Wallace Theater in Levelland is excited to announce the launch of its new Junior Curator program, offering local students the opportunity to dive into the field of public history, museum studies, curation, and historic preservation.
This program serves as an extension of the Wallace’s annual Pop Up Museum, which has become a cornerstone event for the community each spring.
The Junior Curator program is designed to provide hands-on experience to Hockley County students, allowing them to engage directly with the various aspects of museum management.
Participants will gain practical skills in curating exhibits, handling artifacts, and preserving historical items – essential knowledge for those interested in pursuing careers in the field. Selected participants will meet throughout the spring to learn the craft of museum studies and public history.
In addition, the Junior Curators will gain access to experts in the field and assist in the development and design of the 4th Annual Pop Up Museum, scheduled for May 2024. The program is open to 8th-12th grade students in Hockley County. Applications are open until February 29th.
The Pop Up Museum event has grown over the last three years to become a central educational event for students and community members. Over the last few years, the Wallace has presented topics such as the Dust Bowl, The Alamo, and most recently Vaqueros. The program originated as a collaboration between Levelland Middle School students and the Wallace Theater under former LISD teacher, Cathie McMahan.
McMahan now serves as an educational advisor for the Wallace and is working with the broader community to expand the event. McMahan explains, “I want to see this event reach as many people in our community as possible. The Wallace believes history should be accessible and engaging for everyone. The Pop Up Museum brings together students, scholars, and the general public in a way that does that.”
This year’s Pop Up Museum, a highlight of the Wallace Theater’s annual calendar, promises to be particularly special. The event will showcase a traveling exhibit from Humanities Texas titled “Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas of World War II.”
The exhibit focuses on the contributions of Latino and Latina individuals during World War II, providing a unique perspective on this pivotal era in history. According to McMahan, “The World War II era is a high interest topic and we hope that we can use the Images of Valor exhibition as a centerpiece to build a more expansive display this spring.”
The Pop Up Museum will immerse visitors in the WWII era, creating an educational and memorable experience. The culmination of the event will feature a dinner and keynote presentation by local historian and LISD educator, Gene Burton. Burton’s insights into the historical context of the second World War promise to be both enlightening and captivating.
Beginning in April, the Wallace Theater invites Hockley County residents to contribute to the Pop Up Museum by loaning WWII-era artifacts for display. These artifacts, often cherished as family heirlooms, will be handled, organized, and displayed by the Junior Curators. This not only adds a personal touch to the exhibit but also provides the students with invaluable experience in artifact management.
“We are thrilled to launch the Junior Curator program and extend an invitation to the community to actively participate in preserving and sharing our local history,” said Alycyn Keeling, the Executive Director of the Wallace Theater. “This program not only fosters a love for history among our youth but also empowers them to contribute to the cultural tapestry of our community.”
The Wallace Theater encourages all interested Hockley County students to apply for the Junior Curator program and looks forward to welcoming community members to the Pop Up Museum this spring. This collaborative effort promises to make history come alive, engaging and inspiring both participants and visitors alike.