BY: MARY GLISSON

Curiosity cart in Playscape at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. In high school, I chose history as my college major because it was my favorite subject. Once I started to immerse myself in history and realized how museums could make it come alive, I knew museums were where I needed to be. When I started the Museum Studies program and began working at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as a gallery interpreter, my dreams for the future were cemented. I wanted to be part of the way museums make learning exciting.  

From teaching families Greek dances at the Children’s Museum to helping preschoolers create art at Newfields to helping clean exhibit cases at Ziibiwing, I find so much joy in being a part of museum experiences for visitors. My passion for museum education means I want to do everything I can to ensure visitors feel included and have an educational opportunity that sparks their curiosity. Whether that means being the one activity engaging with visitors on the museum floor or doing the work behind the scenes to create that experience, I find it deeply important.   

In my time in the Museum Studies program, the different courses I completed furthered my passion and helped me to build up my values and vision in the museum field. I also have had the chance to explore the different sections of the museum field, such as admin and collections work. I also have had the chance to work with community partners and learn about how to be a respectful and beneficial partner in community collaboration.  

Check out my e-portfolio to see the work I have done and what I am passionate about! 

Full Portfolio Link: https://maryglisson602.wixsite.com/mary-glisson 

Mary Glisson (she/they) received her MA in Museum Studies in May 2025.