WIU - Museum Studies

08/22/2026

Check this out!

Preparing for a museum job interview goes beyond reviewing your résumé; it’s about demonstrating how you connect with the institution's mission, people, and purpose.

In this article, we share practical guidance to help candidates stand out, including:

Why crafting a clear, authentic “origin story” helps interviewers understand who you are, not just what you’ve done.

How to prepare thoughtful examples that highlight transferable skills and growth.

The value of asking curious, well-researched questions at the end of an interview.

Whether you’re early in your career or preparing for your next step, these tips will help you interview with confidence and clarity.

AAM Members have full access to this tipsheet with insights and ways to prepare for interviews:

https://www.aam-us.org/2024/03/15/interview-tips-for-landing-your-dream-museum-job/

08/21/2026

The Muscatine Art Center will host a community reception welcoming new Director Kelly Lao on September 10, 5–7 p.m. Meet Kelly, enjoy light refreshments, and explore the Muscatine and the Civil War exhibition.
Formal remarks at 6 p.m.
Free and open to the public.

Find out more by clicking on the following link 🎨 https://bit.ly/3UGUh76

08/21/2026

Ready for what’s next? From entry-level positions to executive leadership, browse the latest opportunities on AAM’s JobHQ, including:

Director of Adult Public Programs at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

$85,000.00 - $95,000.00

Full-Time

Exhibit Technician (Full-Time) at the Liberty Science Center

$47,000.00 - $53,000.00

Full-Time

Evaluation Manager at The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

$65,000.00 - $70,000.00

Full-Time

Start your search on JobHQ: https://aam-us-jobs.careerwebsite.com/jobs/

08/21/2026

Join us for the annual meeting during the 2026 conference on Monday, October 19 at Reiman Gardens.

Members will receive updates on IMA activities and participate in the election of directors and other official business. Connect with museum colleagues from across Iowa, learn about the work of the IMA, and help shape its future.

iowamuseums.org/conference

08/19/2026

Opportunity for Employment:
/ Palenque LSNA

Palenque LSNA is hiring a full time Arts & Culture Program Manager position!

The Arts & Culture Program Manager is a unique, mission-critical role designed to demonstrate how art and culture can be powerful vehicles for healing, resilience, and resistance.In this role, you will lead our creative place-keeping and anti-displacement efforts, centering the lived experiences of our undocumented community members. You will partner closely with local artists, culture bearers, and organizers to co-create spaces where undocumented residents can process trauma, reclaim agency, and step into their power as formidable storytellers and protectors of their neighborhoods.

Send resume to [email protected]. Position will be filled as soon as possible.

Follow the link to learn more and to apply: www.palenquelsna.org/careers

08/19/2026

It's ! Explore open positions in the Midwest and beyond: https://bit.ly/ammjobs

08/14/2026

We're excited to welcome Elena Hull to our Museum Studies graduate program this year — and to celebrate her as a recipient of the Runge Scholarship!

Elena shared why she chose this path: "I would love to learn more about museum collections, as well as creating and curating exhibits. I adore that style of storytelling because of how it can reach so many different groups of people, though I haven't yet had much opportunity to explore it from a professional perspective. I look forward to starting my journey at WIU and in Museum Studies!"

Congratulations, Elena, and welcome to the program! We're excited for you to start exploring exhibit storytelling firsthand.

08/14/2026

Join us this Monday, August 17, at noon for IMA-Plugged!
WIU Museum Studies is proud to sponsor this series and provide free and accessible professional development to our students, alumni, and all!

This Monday!

Group Ready: Positioning Museums and Destinations for Motorcoach Success is the next IMA Plugged-In session for Iowa museum professionals and volunteers.

Don’t miss this free opportunity to learn how to attract and serve motorcoach groups with Teddi Yaeger, Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsored by Western Illinois University Museum Studies Graduate Program.

Sign up once to join the mailing list: iowamuseums.org/pluggedin