The last few weeks have been an education for me. This month I felt a sudden surge in enthusiasm and starting volunteering at TWO different museums. At the Glen Ellyn Historical Society I have been making an inventory of some items in their collection of historic quilts and textiles, and thinking of ways to improve the textiles storage.

The discovery of numerous boxes of rug braiding material inspired me to… learn how to braid rugs! Luckily, I had an expert nearby (thanks Grandma), and I’ve been working on a project with her help.

Crash course in rug-braiding – a friend thinks I should make a rug shop on Etsy!

A historic quilt from 1895 – I presume!

And at the Elmhurst Art Museum, I’ve been tidying up the collections records, adding some new donations to the database, and making sure that every artwork is where we think it is (and doesn’t go wandering off somewhere).

An example of some beautiful modern dinnerware I got to work with.

I’ve also decided to attend the American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting this May, so that all this learning can continue. I’ve actually started a fundraiser so I can attend the conference, and several friends have already helped me out. While I try not to complain about my tiny income, it does make it near impossible to attend such a conference. Which is why I’ve asked for help.

Take a look: http://www.rockethub.com/projects/40194-rachel-s-first-professional-conference