Marshall J. O'Neill
Where are you from: Central Jersey
Undergraduate University: Rutgers - Camden
What fuels their passion for museums: I find museums fun and want others to feel similar when visiting them. Therefore, museums should be easily accessible to all, especially nearby residents. Museums should be places everyone wants to experience often, not only on special occasions. Museums should cultivate a sense of pride and belonging within local communities. I believe that museums serve as vital repositories of culture, history, and knowledge, enriching the lives of individuals and communities. Striving to include stories from all peoples and topics fuels my passion for museum work. Fun and exciting stories can be found everywhere, and they need to be shared. Implementing outreach initiatives encourages diverse audiences to explore and appreciate such museum exhibits and programs. By making museums welcoming and intriguing to all, we can foster a collective enthusiasm for learning and discovery, ultimately enriching society.
Favorite museum memory: I took a mini vacation to NYC for Pride a few years ago. While there, I visited a few museums with friends, including the Museum of the Moving Image. It is on the smaller side and is not the first one that comes to mind when you think about NYC museums, mainly because it is in Queens. However, this museum has so much to offer. As a huge movie and animation fan, it was so exciting to see animation cells, props, and costumes from some of my favorite TV shows and movies. I could go on and on. It was so worth the trip to Queens to see this fantastic institution, and going with friends made the trip all the more special. I hope more people go to out-of-the-way museums.
Concentration in program: Audience Engagement
Industry conferences/workshops attended: Visitor Experience Conference
Professional/Civic Affiliations: Museum Council of Greater Philadelphia
What type of museum do you want to intern/work for and why: I am open to interning/working for any kind of museum. However, I would really like to find myself at an anthropology or art museum. I have always loved art and history and particularly like working with contemporary artists. Seeing how art evolves, working with artists, and hearing new stories is fun. Additionally, finding new ways to engage visitors with the past is a passion of mine. I enjoy finding new ways audiences can experience the past. What do you hope to contribute in a professional job/internship: With my diverse background and experiences, I hope to offer fresh insights and innovative solutions to the ever-evolving museum world and add my voice to the conversation of ethical curation.
What do you hope to learn in a professional job/internship: I want to learn as much as possible about all aspects of curation and do creative things, being as hands-on as possible.