I N D I A N A S TAT E M U S E U M A N D H I S T O R I C S I T E S
CROSSROADS EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2022
NEW YEAR, MEET THE NEW NEW ROLES: EDUCATION STAFF
This month, the education team welcomed a new hire, while two others were promoted to full-time. We asked them a few questions to get to know them – and their new responsibilities – a little better.
What program or event are you most looking forward to? The Girl Scout overnight event. When I was little, I used to be a Girl Scout. I started as a Brownie and later became a Junior. I had so much fun between the camping trips, badge days, cookie competitions and more, and this event is going to allow me to relive those days. SHEREE COOPER Youth Programs Manager What programs or projects will you be organizing or overseeing in your role? I will be organizing, overseeing and implementing afterschool, homeschool, camp and scout programs.
What’s a favorite museum memory? Attending the Bug Fest event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. I used to go every year as a child, and I would learn about different bugs and insects and the contributions that they make in our environment. There would be performances, crafts, music and food all related to the theme. I had a blast every time! What programs or projects will you be organizing or overseeing in your role? I will oversee programs such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, TinkerFest and For the Win: The Hoosier Game Expo, as well as family and public programs, like Canal Nights and Family Fright Night.
STEPHANIE KAZMIERZAK Public Programs Manager What program or event are you most looking forward to? It’s hard to pick just one, but I’m partial to TinkerFest and Family Fright Night.
What’s something you’re passionate about that you hope to bring to or highlight in your new role? I can’t wait to be able to show visitors how exciting the Indiana State Museum can be! Not only that, but I also love informal education. I see programs and events as outlets for lifelong learners to keep learning and experiencing new things.
What’s a hidden talent of yours? My hidden talent would be baking. I love making all kinds of sweet treats, but my favorite type to make is cupcakes. What’s something you’re passionate about that you hope to bring to or highlight in your new role? Experience. I believe that we can provide people all kinds of information and facts, but unless we are going to create a memorable moment around it, we cannot expect people to remember it, or incorporate it in their daily lives. I hope that I can create a memorable moment for the youth in my programs each day so as they get older, they reflect back on us in a positive light.
What’s a favorite museum memory? Standing under the Saturn rockets and actually standing on the launch platform at the Kennedy Space Center. My father loved the space program, and I inherited that same love. I learned about the space program when I was little, and being able to stand in the actual spot where people are literally launched into space was astounding. It made everything I had learned feel more real. What’s a hidden talent of yours? I have been learning beginning carpentry and have built small pieces of furniture.
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