Karen J Andrade
Where are you from: New England/New York City
Undergraduate University: Smith College
Graduate University: Vermont Law School
What fuels their passion for museums: The lifeline museums give us to people, ideas, and knowledge to our collective past and present.
Favorite museum memory: Being able to actually touch John Adams desk on which he wrote the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights in his law office at the Adams National Historical Park.
Concentration in program: Museum Education
Article or idea about the museum sector that intrigues them: I have been very influenced by George W. Boudreau and his books Independence: A Guide to Historic Philadelphia, A Material World: Culture, Society and the Life of Things in Early Anglo-America, and articles on public history and interpretation in the Journal of American Studies.
Industry conferences/workshops attended:
Visitor Experience Conference, 2023
Deep Dive into the Declaration of Independence, Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides, 2023
300 Years of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia, Independence Historical Trust, 2023
Professional / Civic Affiliations:
American Alliance of Museums
Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums
National Council on Public History
National Association for Interpretation
Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums
Museum Council of Greater Philadelphia
The Library Company of Philadelphia
The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides
Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks
Independence Historical Trust
Smith College Alumnae Association
Seven Sisters Alumnae Association
What type of museum do you want to intern/work for and why: I have always had a passion for history and would love to work at a history, living history, public history or NPS historical museum or site.
What do you hope to contribute in a professional job/internship: I would like to be able to contribute my passion for working with the public, public education and interpretation skills and my professional expertise as an attorney and non-profit professional.
What do you hope to learn in a professional job/internship: I would like to expand my knowledge of the practical aspects of working in a museum setting, learn what works and does not work in museum programming and education, both behind the scenes and with the public. I would also like to expand my professional relationships in the museum field.