Mary Whitehurst Burkey
Welcome to My Site
About
As a lifelong learner, my curiosity about the world around me has led me to ask questions and work toward new skills as I build relationships with others. I love to teach and hope to inspire in others a passion for learning by creating fun and engaging experiences that spark a spirit of inquiry.
With a robust background in public history, art history, and visual and performing arts, I approach work creatively and enthusiastically with an interdisciplinary mindset. Given my diverse experiences in museums, cultural/arts organizations and schools, as well as managing a small business, I know that I can consistently bring creativity and positive results to my work. Take a look around my site to learn a little bit about me, and please get in touch if you have questions.
Education
What I’ve Learned
September 2017 - December 2019
Master of Arts
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- M.A. in History with a concentration in Public History
- Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies
Research Interests
Food History, Social History, Art History, Daily Life and Domestic History, Fiber Arts, Ceramics, Theatre History
September 2006 - May 2010
Bachelor of Arts
Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
- B.A. in Art History and Dramatic Arts
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
- Member of Phi Beta Kappa
- Recipient of West. T. Hill award for the senior who contributed the most to the drama program while a student.
- Recipient of Centre Art Award for an outstanding student in art.
2015 - present
- Education Specialist and Lead Interpreter (October 2018-present)
- Lead Interpreter (December 2017-October 2018)
- Assistant Lead Interpreter (April - December 2017)
- Seasonal Interpreter (Summers 2015 - 2016)
Wade House, Wisconsin Historical Society
Responsible for planning and implementing educational programming including foodways programs, summer camps, field trips, and period garden. Manage and supervise interpretive staff and volunteers. Schedule and coordinate all group and school tours. Worked to prepare and hang Over Land: Under Cover, a quilt and coverlet exhibit at Wade House. Lead tours through the Wade House, an 1850 stagecoach inn.
January 2019 - present
- Exhibitions Intern
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Working with Exhibitions, Curation, and Arts/Industry teams to develop an exhibit of art created in the Arts/Industry program for the Collections Highlights gallery. Working to digitize A/I material.
January - April 2018
- Collections Management Intern
Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts
Worked with Collections Manager and Curator inventorying and cataloguing collection of WMQFA. Assisted with exhibits Bouquet of Applique and His Purple Reign.
March 2016 - March 2017
- Interim General Manager
Goodside Grocery Food Cooperative
In charge of all aspects of management of a member-owned corner grocery store in downtown Sheboygan. Led an all-volunteer staff as the only paid employee, reported to board of directors. Managed budget, orders and purchasing, and bookkeeping. Grew average gross daily sales by 14% over the course of the year.
September 2015 - February 2016
- Long Term Substitute Teacher
Sheboygan Area School District
Planned lessons and taught twelve weeks of kindergarten through fifth grade elementary art and twelve weeks as a classroom teacher in a combined second and third grade classroom.
September 2011 - May 2015
- Technical Director and Resident Designer
Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) Sheboygan
Oversaw and instructed youth participants in the design, construction, and execution of set, props, costumes, lighting, sound, and choreography for two student-run shows annually. Designed and oversaw crew of diverse volunteers to implement construction of set, props, costumes, lighting, and sound for two mainstage shows annually. Assisted with fundraising and special events. Maintained and organized stock of costumes, props, tools, supplies, equipment, etc.
Summer 2011
- Education Intern
Kentucky Shakespeare, Louisville, Ky
Taught middle school drama production camp
Worked with scenic painting team
June 2010 - May 2011 (Docent 2011-2015)
- Education and ARTery Intern, Docent
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Led interactive guided tours and workshops for visitors of all ages, from preschool through senior citizens. Developed educational materials for visiting groups. Managed classroom and educational studio spaces. Oversaw daily activities in the ARTery, a hands-on open studio space; worked with community groups and the general public.
Summer 2009
- Education Intern
Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
Collaborated with art teachers and other interns at the Summer Art Camps, teaching groups of students from third grade through high school; facilitated children’s creation of art.
Summer 2008
- Collections Management and Discovery Room Intern
National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian) Washington, D.C.
Organized and catalogued anthropology objects in the teaching collection of the Discovery Room, a hands-on space geared toward families with children. Designed two educational drawer displays.
My Skills
Public Programs Development
- Engaging Audiences
K-12 Education Programs
- Educating and Encouraging
Collections Management and Research
- Staying Organized and Creating Order
- Following the trail of curiosity and knowledge
Interpretation
- Helping history and the arts come alive
Collaboration
- Working successfully as part of a team
Creativity
- Coming at problems from new directions
Leadership
- Guiding a team from within
Flexibility and Adaptability
- Life is crazy. I roll with it.
My Projects
What I’ve Done
Poisons and Potions in Shakespeare
Created tabletop exhibit examining the use of poisons and potions within the Shakespearean canon. Presented research at Milwaukee Public Museum's "Inside Out Night."
Museum Collection Object Project
In-depth study of a late eighteenth-century New England tape loom in the collection of Milwaukee Public Museum.
Podcasting the Past
A piece of audio scholarshop geared toward a general audience
Strategic Planning
Acted as a consultant for a local history museum preparing to undergo the strategic planning process.
Museum Assessment Project
Analysis of the operations of the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum, including a SWOT analysis.
Visitor Observation Study
Detailed analysis of visitor behavior within the Arctic gallery of the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Interests and Hobbies
While my professional life is important and fulfilling, I do stop working sometimes! Here are some activities that bring me joy and keep me from being an automaton.
Dance and Aerial Arts
Freelance Set Design
Let’s Connect
"It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better than we are."